And to all my great global friends as well.
American Thanksgiving is based on myth, folklore and history. Tradition has it that the Pilgrims (about 1620) celebrated their harvest and had a party. Indians were invited and provided venison for the feast.
A real historical document by Edward Winslow relates a first hand account as follows:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty." (from
www.pilgrims.net)
We use this holiday to gorge ourselves with food, family and friends. Both the religious and secular folks here like the fringe benefits of the day.
1. A day off from work.
2. A reason to go off the diet.
3. A great party with family and friends.
4. Any other reason you can think of!
Turkey is the traditional meal with 'all the trimmins'. Ham is common with the non-turkey crowd. Vegetarians celebrate with what they like.
Stores decorate with turkey and pilgrim themes and the friday after Thanksgiving (the last thursday in November is always the holiday) is the tradional start of the Christmas shopping frenzey.
On a sad note, their are many orphan turkeylets (is there such a word?) in the world.
Happy Thanksgiving
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