US Thanksgiving History & Traditions

[Mrs.Claus]

US Thanksgiving History

In 1621, a Thanksgiving time was celebrated, by the Pilgrims, who travelled on the ship The Mayflower and landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after their first harvest.

In 1777, the new United States of America, celebrated it's first Thanksgiving. General George Washington and his army marked the occasion on their way to Valley Forge, as instructed by the Continental Congress.

When George Washington became President in 1789 he declared November 26 as a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. "... appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness."

For some time in the 1800s Thanksgiving celebrations ceased and then in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln reinstated the tradition. "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe that last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Traditions

Food - At this time of thanksgiving people gather their family and friends near to them and have a feast of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pie.

Cornucopias - English farm workers had a tradition of filling a curved goat's horn with fruit and grain to give thanks for their harvest having been a good one. This horn was called a Horn of Plenty or a Cornucopia.

[Noel+]

Thanks McDLT! You did we Americans proud!

[Mrs.Claus]

I had done a little research a few years ago and had posted it on the old, old site and just thought it would be nice to have here too.

[Jodie]

Is the American Thanksgiving always the last Thursday of November?

Or does it change?

That is a perfect time to celebrate and open up the festive season.

[Stephanie]

Is the American Thanksgiving always the last Thursday of November?

Or does it change?

That is a perfect time to celebrate and open up the festive season.

It's the same every year.

I agree, it is a great opener for the holiday season.

[Winterself]

Mrs.Clause im so proud of you.you got it right ..thank you for shareing that tradition of our america..great job..

Stephanie i love your little marshamllow snowman thing siggy..lol...

[Noel+]

Yes on Thanksgiving Day we begin singing "Its beginning to look alot like Christmas every where you go!"

[Stephanie]

Mrs.Clause im so proud of you.you got it right ..thank you for shareing that tradition of our america..great job..

Stephanie i love your little marshamllow snowman thing siggy..lol...

Thank you! It's a badly drawn snowball with twigs and grass for hair and pebbles for eyes and a mouth. lol

[Mrs.Claus]

Mrs.Clause im so proud of you.you got it right ..thank you for shareing that tradition of our america..great job..

Thanks Winterself.