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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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