They considered the land to be public and staked their claim, seizing land from Indians and selling them into slavery.
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Pilgrims already were accustomed to eating turkey because the bird, first domesticated by the Aztecs in Mexico, was brought to Europe in the 16th century. This feast started on December 13, 1621. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”-although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time-the festival lasted for three days”. The first Thanksgiving, which was probably celebrated in the summer, celebrated the completion of the colony’s first sturdy housing.
And, while many of us wish we could be done with 2016 as soon as possible, take heart. As Americans, we expect no less because it’s part of our creed.
There were Indians to befriend, and a new colony to build and a celebration to be had called Thanksgiving.
It’s been celebrated nationally off and on since 1789, but the symbolism of setting aside a day to declare thanks became crystal-clear in 1863. She campaigned far and wide for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday.
Just think of all those other countries that don’t have Thanksgiving in between Halloween and Christmas. May you also have plenty of reasons to thank God.
“The fact that they were ordered by England to give thanks and to do it annually and perpetually made it the first “official” Thanksgiving”.
Two authors writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer quoted one of their sisters, a text message that should apply to every household in America: “No talking politics when we get together for the holiday”. It was always an exciting time of year, lining up with your friends for the small parade going around the school. For them, the holiday is a reminder of betrayal and bloodshed.
According to an article from the History Channel, turkey was plentiful in the woods back then, but they may not have gotten a turkey. Of course, the women wouldn’t be quite as hungry as the men because we had just had to taste some of the food while we were cooking to make sure it was alright to eat.
Even if the story itself is hazy for some, everyone knows it is an act of kindness and community we celebrate and honor. Everyone gathers around to share food and good cheer.
We left the village with a much greater feeling for those who had gone before us in the founding of America. Thanksgiving is composed of two words: thanks and giving.
Don’t get me wrong.
A group of us are gathering. “I recognize it as a chance for my family to come together as survivors, pretty much in defiance”. Happy Thankgiving to you and your family.
Most Americans can rattle off a list of mouth-watering dishes they want for Thanksgiving Day dinner including turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie, paired with some favorite family or regional dishes. It is the time to be grateful for everything and everyone you have in your life. Though the journey was rough and their first winter harsh, the friendly embrace of an indigenous people, the Wampanoag – who offered gracious lessons in agriculture and crop production – led to their successful first harvest.
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Azalea R. Bolton is a resident of Richmond County, member of the Story Spinners of Laurinburg, and member of the Historical Society of Richmond and Anson counties.
