Facts About Thankgiving
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Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as a national holiday every November in the United States of America. However, many have forgotten the real tradition behind celebrating this festival. It was mainly celebrated to offer thanks and express the gratitude to Lord Almighty for having bestowed the family with blessings and showering His mercy. The pilgrims in Plymouth offered their first thanksgiving along with the Native Americans for having survived the winter.More...
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History Of Thankgiving
The migrants of the English Separatist Church escaped to Holland in order to escape religious harassment. These pilgrims managed to reach America on board the Mayflower. Nearly one third of the pilgrims were separatists, others were non–separatists. They reached Plymouth in 1620. The harsh weather and climatic conditions made their stay inhospitable. Numerous pilgrims died due to severe winter conditions.
The following year was a year of harvest and productivity. They celebrated this favorable turn of events along with the Native Indians who had helped them survive through tough times. They offered their first thanksgiving for three days. It is believed that Governor William Bradford asked four men to capture a duck or geese. Turkey was a name given to any type of fowl during those days.More...
When Did Thanksgiving Become A National Holiday ?
Thanksgiving Day has a long history. In fact, this day was celebrated even before America got independence. The Native Indians are credited for beginning this tradition way back in 1621. Governor John Winthrop in 1630 declared a day of thanksgiving in his Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Before independence, this day assumed national importance because it brought in a lot of harmony and peace in the region. It united the citizens together against the colonial rule. The tradition of thanksgiving took a beating a year after America got independence. George Washington, the then American President declared November 26, 1789 as a day for offering “thanksgiving and prayer”. Washington also stated that it was incumbent on all nations to offer their gratitude and prayer to Lord Almighty for having bestowed them with bounty and grace.More...
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