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Thanksgiving
Held on the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving in the United
States began with a journey of pilgrims. These pilgrims were fleeing
religious persecution and left England hoping for a better life. They
first settled in Holland, but soon left for the New World in a ship
called the Mayflower. They called themselves the "Saints" and the
others who traveled with them the "Strangers". The voyage was long and
the conditions harsh and stressful, causing many problems between the
two groups. When land was finally sighted the two groups pulled
together and pledged to work together as equals.  This agreement is known as the
Mayflower Compact and the united group called themselves the Pilgrims.
They settled in Plymouth where they found a safe harbor, a large source
of fish, and friendly native folk. The winter, however, was
devastating. They lost over half of their population. The Pilgrims were
disparaged and discouraged. During this time of anguish the local
Native Americans befriended and helped the settlers. They taught the
Pilgrims how to grow the indigenous corn and other native vegetables,
how to use the native plants for medicines and flavorings, and how to
identify the poisonous plants. By autumn they had built homes and had a
good harvest with fish packed in salt and cured meats to survive the
winter. They invited their new friends to a 3-day feast to celebrate
and give thanks.
Unfortunately, the following season was not prosperous, but the
Pilgrims persevered and endured. They had a harvest celebration
annually-which was (and is) customary in many countries. With time the
Pilgrims thrived and the colonies grew.
It wasn't until 1863 that a national day of thanksgiving was proclaimed
by President Abraham Lincoln. Since that time each president has issued
a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation each year, usually designating the
fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday.
What was on the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving menu?
 Well, it is not clear that turkey
was actually served. Most fowl was generically called "turkey". It is
believed that venison was served along with lobsters, clams, fish,
berries and pumpkin. However, there was no pumpkin pie. The flour
supply was long gone and there was no milk or butter. The pumpkin was
probably more of a savory dish cooked directly in the pumpkin shell. In
addition, there were no mashed potatoes. They were considered poisonous
since they (along with tomatoes) are a member of the nightshade family.
Nowadays, there is still a large Thanksgiving feast featuring the
turkey that is baked, roasted, smoked or deep-fried. Accompaniments
include sweet potatoes/yams, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce or
relish (or both). Some families also have a ham. Dessert is a must with
treats like pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Before partaking of the feast
many families will go around the table and each person will give thanks
for something. Watching sports and playing football are a favorite
pastime as well as watching local parades or watching them on the
television.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and don't eat too much!
by W.Holidays
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