Thanksgiving Throughout the Ages
Thanksgiving, like Christmas, has its origins deep in history. People of all times have felt the need to celebrate the end of a good period in their lives. A good harvest after a period of heavy work in the fields, the construction of a building that would last for ages, or simply a long period of peace, men feel the need to give thanks. Conversational Hypnosis
RiseUpInc In warlike societies such as those of the Incas or the Aztecs, the celebrations to give thanks were marked by sacrifices. After a victory in battle, the captured enemy were ritually sacrificed amid much rejoicing and celebratory feasts. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Review These sacrifices were made to give thanks to the solar deity and to the various smaller deities who gave aid before a battle.
The tradition that is more closely related to Thanksgiving is that of the Harvest Festival in Great Britain. This festival was usually celebrated in September or October each year, at the end of the harvest and just before the onset of winter. Five Point Lede This was an occasion of great celebrations when the harvest was abundant. This meant that food for the coming winter was assured, and hunger was not going to be a problem to be faced.
Today, the emphasis on Thanksgiving is primarily on the partaking of food and the renewal of family ties. The original Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers placed emphasis on the gratitude of the settlers to Providence. The Power Of Conversational Hypnosis The spiritual aspects were more present at that first Thanksgiving probably because of the experience of hardship suffered and the abundance of their first harvest. Fat Loss 4 Idiots
The fact that on Thanksgiving, we celebrate with food is a throwback to the age-old custom of breaking bread and drinking wine on a special occasion. We give thanks and express gratitude to all by celebrating this day.
Want to see what celebrities do to celebrate Thanksgiving? Check out Showbiz Gossip
Amusing Nicknames for the Thanksgiving Turkey And Their History
Want to amuse your family at the Thanksgiving Day dinner this year? Here are some amusing nicknames and stories on the Thanksgiving Day turkey – entertain your family this year with your knowledge.
Of course, first I should mention that the name turkey itself is a misnomer. Poor Christopher Columbus, who thought he was in India, thought that the turkey he saw was a member of the peacock. So he named the bird “tuka”, which means “peacock” in Tamil, a major Indian language. Some party-poopers claim that the turkey was actually named after the sound that female turkeys make “tuk, tuk, tuk”, but I prefer to stick with the Christopher Columbus story. Your family will like it better too.
Some people call their Thanksgiving turkey “Big Bird”. Yes, the one and the same from Sesame Street. About 4000 turkey feathers went into creating the Big Bird costume – of course, they were dyed that lovely shade of neon yellow first.
Third up is “gobbler” – of course, this one should be pretty obvious. Gobbler comes from the “gobble gobble” sound that the male adult turkeys make. It’s also the sound Uncle Fred makes as he’s eating the Thanksgiving Day feast, but that’s a different story.
This one has to be my favorite turkey name. Some Hispanic farm families have named the designated Thanksgiving turkey “Gracias” in keeping with the holiday’s tradition. There’s also a kid’s book named “Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey” by Joy Cowley, but the Hispanic tradition definitely predates the book.
And no Thanksgiving Day turkey nickname story would be complete without the Presidential bird being mentioned. Supposedly started during the Civil War by Abraham Lincoln pardoning his son’s turkey Jack, most historians file this under “Urban Myth”. The story goes like this – Lincoln’s son Tad had a turkey that had been tabbed for Thanksgiving Day eats. When it came time for killing, his son burst into a cabinet meeting, begging for forgiveness for his turkey. Naturally, Lincoln couldn’t refuse his own son.
Some claim the Presidential pardon of the turkey started in 1947 with Harry Truman. According to Snopes, records only show the fact that turkey producers started to present Presidential turkeys to the White House that year – there is no record of Harry Truman actually using his Presidential pardon powers to spare any unlucky turkeys.
Supposedly President Kennedy denied the turkey’s plea for pardon, saying “Let’s eat him” in response. Later he claimed in a press conference that he had indeed issued a pardon. The tradition continued into the Reagan administration, where President Reagan joked that if he had known about it earlier, he would have issued a pardon for the turkey.
The elder Bush was the first President to officially pardon the Thanksgiving turkey in 1989. Since then the tradition has continued uninterrupted. Last year President Obama pardoned the two birds Apple and Cider. He noted that he was glad to be able to stop one shellacking, noting his party’s difficulties at the polls earlier that month.
Whatever you decide to call your Thanksgiving Day turkey this year, I hope you enjoy it and all the fixin’s. Sinopnkp And do me a favor – don’t let your kids get too attached to the turkey before he’s served. Just ask Abe Lincoln what can happen.
Choosing The Perfect Meal, A Thanksgiving Dinner Tradition
In the United States, Thanksgiving is the official opening of the holiday season. Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with food, friends, family and sometimes football. Hosting the official family Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task. Here’s a quick guide to choosing from the many foods which can be offered at a modern Thanksgiving dinner.
The Classics:
A modern, classic Thanksgiving dinner includes an abundance of food. The centerpiece of this meal is the Turkey, roasted to perfection and filled with a bread or cornbread stuffing. A soup, green salad and or fruit salad often precedes the meal. Vegetable side dishes are served along side of the turkey. They might include green beans, glazed baby carrots, scalloped corn, creamy mashed potatoes or a vegetable trio (or all of the above!) Rolls and butter are a must, so is cranberry sauce (to accompany the turkey) and brown gravy (for the turkey and potatoes). Last but not least comes dessert. Here there are a variety of options. Most traditionalists call for pie. Pumpkin, Apple, Sweet Potato and Pecan are all popular choices.
A Vegetarian Twist:
In recent years, alternative Thanksgiving meals have become more common. Here are a few ideas if you are removing the turkey from your table. Many vegetarians suggest “Tofurky.” This tofu substitute can be shaped into a turkey mold for a comical centerpiece or made into a loaf. If Tofurky is not your passion consider wild rice pilaf stuffed squash or sage crusted vegetarian cutlets. Feeling daring? A pumpkin risotto may be just what your Thanksgiving meal needs.
Let’s Get Fancy:
Are you a foodie at heart? Then glam it up. Replace the turkey with individual herb roasted game hens. Toss up a spinach, cranberry salad in a pumpkin vinaigrette then add whole grain artisan rolls and organic, hand churned butter. A cheese platter and a glass of fine wine will set the tone for an outstanding meal to remember. Looking for a memorable dessert? Try whipping up a pumpkin brulee or a dark chocolate, caramel souffle. Let your imagination run wild and be sure to set the table with your best dinnerware. This will be a Thanksgiving dinner to remember.
Let’s Get Fast:
If you are frustrated with your busy schedule and really need a break there are many Thanksgiving dinner options. Consider ordering your meal from a local catering company. Many companies specialize in traditional meals that are ready to heat up. You avoid the work and can still take all the bows (never tell your secret!). You can often get your food even cheaper if you look for discount codes. Ready to go out? Think ahead and book a table at your favorite restaurant. Your favorite chef may be preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for 100 and you could be one of them. Why slave over a stove if you’d rather be tipping a waitress?
Foods at a modern Thanksgiving dinner can vary greatly within the U.S. Certain foods like Sweet Potato pie can be regional and served in some states while Pumpkin Pie is always served in others. In some families mashed potatoes are important, in other families it’s all about the stuffing. Perhaps Grandma makes a very special green bean casserole once a year and everyone looks forward to it. Whatever you end up eating, the key is sharing it with the ones you love and with an ever grateful heart.
Amazing Links Between Modern Day USA And Plymouth, England
Everyone knows the historical links between the United States and Plymouth, England. Who hasn’t learned how the brave Pilgrims set off in the Mayflower from Plymouth in 1620 to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to establish the colony of Plymouth in what is now the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? Well, not everyone knows there are many more surprising links between the town of Plymouth, England and the modern-day United States. Here are just a few interesting parallels between the two.
Did you know that Plymouth, England celebrates Thanksgiving? To honor the Pilgrims, the town of Plymouth holds a formal Thanksgiving ceremony at the steps where the Pilgrims descended to leave on their journey. Modern day Plymouth then gives thanks and remembers the Pilgrims that set off on their journey so long ago. The families then retire to a local restaurant to celebrate this most American holiday. So this year at your family’s Thanksgiving, give a toast and a nod to our neighbors in Plymouth, England across the pond.
The famous American socialite Nancy Astor married into British royalty and moved to Plymouth to be with her husband back in 1905. Astor’s title was the Viscountess and she became the first female parliament member of the House of Commons. With her husband, Astor settled at No. 3 Eliot Terrace on Plymouth Hoe, which soon became the site of many parties catering to the rich and the famous in England. After her death, Astor gave the mansion and grounds to the local government. It’s not open to the public per se as a tourist place, but private tours are available by contacting the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Plymouth City Council.
On a grimmer note, the American prisoners of war from the War of 1812 were kept in Dartmoor Prison, located in the town of Princeton, north of Plymouth. The prison is still in use to this day, but just outside the grounds is the Dartmoor Prison Museum, which is open to the public. A cemetery was established in the mid 1800′s to bury the found remains of the American prisoners that died there. It fell into neglect until 2001, when a group of United States retired veterans went there on a clean up mission. They erected a stone memorial at the front gate commemorating all of our servicemen known to have perished within the walls of Dartmoor Prison.
Another fascinating parallel between Plymouth, England and the modern day United States is the wall of Hollywood stars located along the Waterfront Walkway. The wall features movie stars such as Walt Disney, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and Charlie Chaplin who passed through Plymouth after taking a cruise ship across the Atlantic Ocean. For those Sherlockians among us, there are quotes from the master detective himself on Durnford Street, Stonehouse. Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories and books, once worked there as a medical doctor. There are also many art exhibits located along the walkway for your enjoyment.
So for a truly unique Thanksgiving, think about spending the next holiday across the pond with some of our forefathers in Plymouth, England. It’ll be a Thanksgiving to remember.
Thanksgiving – What Were The Pilgrims Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is observed in America. It is a holiday that is meant to remind people that they have more to be thankful for than to complain about. The funny thing is that once the holiday passes, people tend to forget about what they were thankful for. It is a holiday that is celebrated on the 29th November. It was initiated by Pilgrims. Thanksgiving- what were the pilgrims thankful for?
First, you should know that the Pilgrims were the forefathers of America who traveled to America by sea. It is very hard to come up with logically expository reasons as to why the Pilgrims would endure the dangers of the sea, starvation and deprivation. The moment we know these reasons, we will be well aware as to what they were thankful for. They gave thanks because they saw the promise of their sojourn near at hand. In some small way at the harvest time of the first year, their dream looked like coming into fruition.
During the Pilgrim’s time, harvest festivals were a common thing. Nowadays, these feasts are held in November but originally they were held in October as a commemoration of the hard work that was undertaken to provide food. The Pilgrims celebrated thanksgiving since they had enough food to make it through the rough New England winter. During the first winter they encountered, they had little food that could barely carry them through. Many of the Pilgrims became sick and some died. God shone a light on them as Samoset, an Abnaki Indian, came to visit. He could barely speak English and so he introduced the pilgrims to Squanto. Squanto was a Native American who had been trained as a translator in London.
Squanto had a good heart and so he taught the pilgrims how to get maple sap from maple trees, how to grow vegetables and corn and also where to find the best hunting and fishing spots. As a result, in the fall, after the harvest, the pilgrims had enough food to make it through the winter. Squanto helped a lot, didn’t he? Now the pilgrims had fruits and vegetables to store. The method they used to preserve vegetables was salting. They also preserved meat from deer and fowl by means of smoking.
If you were a pilgrim at this time, wouldn’t you have reason to celebrate, to give thanks? They invited Squanto and other Indians to their celebration (thanksgiving) feast. The Indians who attended were about ninety in number.
The following year was not as fruitful as the previous one as the crops did not grow as well. Despite this, they shared the little they had with newcomers even though there was not enough food for the winter. The third year was even worse as the hot and dry summer caused crops to die. A day of fasting and prayer was called by Governor Bradford. After this prayer and fasting day, the clouds gathered and the rains started pouring. A day of thanksgiving on November 29th was proclaimed.
These were what the pilgrims celebrated. They were happy that they could call on God and God would answer them. They just had to set aside a day of thanksgiving. Given their hardships, wouldn’t you?
Plymouth Plantation and Mayflower II
Plymouth, Massachusetts is home to the Plimouth Plantation and the Mayflower II. It is a living museum dedicated to portraying the lifestyle of the founding fathers of America, the Pilgrims and the native Wampanoag, who assisted them, upon their arrival.
Plimouth Plantation consists of a reconstruction of a 17th century English Village, the Wampanoag Homesite, the Nye Barn, the Craft Centre, the Henry Hornblower II Visitor Centre and three miles away at the State Pier in Plymouth, the Mayflower II.
The English Village, in which time has stood still at 1627, has simple timber-framed houses furnished with reproductions of the furnishings and equipment that the original colonists would have used during that period. The people who work in the village have each assumed the identity of one of the original colonists and go about the tasks that would have been carried out daily in 1627. Not only do they assume the identity, they assume the persona, so that when asked questions they will respond as though they are giving answers relevant to that day and age. Imagine being able to hear amongst other things, a Pilgrim’s viewpoint on education, religion, cooking or gardening!
In the Craft Center you can see local artisans making reproductions of the furniture and artefacts used both in the village and the Homesite. They use the tools and materials that would have been used in the early 17th century and turn out not only furniture but clay pots, native headdresses and clothes.
The Nye Barn houses Plimouth Plantation’s livestock collection. It incorporates various breeds of milk cows, goats and pigs along with fowl and wild turkeys. It showcases the types of animals found in the colony of Plymouth at that time, but more importantly, it is home to the Rare and Heritage Breeds program which is actively saving these animals from becoming extinct.
The Wampanoag Homesite will also introduce you to the way in which these natives lived in the 17th century. You will see their different types of houses, their methods of boat building and how they cultivated crops and foraged for herbs and berries. Unlike the people in the English Village, the staff of the Homesite is comprised of true native people, who whilst wearing historically perfect clothing, will give you the viewpoint of modern day Wampanoag culture.
Mayflower II is a full size replica of the original Pilgrim vessel which no longer exists. Built in Devon, she crossed the Atlantic in 1957, with a crew of 34 and one kitten called Felix. She was the dream of a gentleman called Warwick Charlton who wanted her to commemorate the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Great Britain during and after World War II. Everyone who visits her is amazed at how small she is and can only marvel at how cramped the accommodation was for the passengers and be in awe of the hardships both they and the crew must have undergone.
The Plimouth Plantation and Mayflower II are wonderfully educational and anyone who can should visit, in order to appreciate their American heritage.
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