In 1620 the Mayflower, a small ship carrying 102 passengers
landed in Plymouth. They journeyed across the ocean seeking religious freedom
and prosperity. Their first winter in Massachusetts was brutal and many of the
original passengers and crew died before they could see the spring. They were
greeted by the indigenous people who taught them how to survive in their new
environment. They were taught to cultivate the land and how to live off of the
land. In the fall of 1621, their successful harvest prompted a celebratory
feast and select Native Americans were invited. This is considered to be
America’s first Thanksgiving.
As time passed, more days of thanks were called upon to
celebrate the end of droughts and wars. These thanksgivings were held on various
days and locations, depending upon what was being celebrated. New York was the
first state to adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday. Other states followed, but
celebrated on different days. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln initiated the
country’s annual Thanksgiving holiday to be the fourth week in November. In
1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up one week to increase
retail sales during the Great Depression. Due to the backlash, in 1941
Roosevelt returned Thanksgiving to its prior date.
Table are cluttered on Thanksgiving with a variety of dishes.
The foods eaten on Thanksgiving are dependent upon the background and
traditions of the family as well as the region they reside. The stereotypical
Thanksgiving dish for, turkey may not have been eaten at the first
Thanksgiving. They are prepared in numerous ways, including roasting, baking
and deep-frying. Main dishes of ham, roast beef and lobster are seen. Perhaps
the most creative main, turducken is a chicken stuffed inside of a duck, which
is stuffed into a turkey. Some regions have specialty dishes. Cranberries can
be seen in different forms. About twenty percent of cranberries are eaten
during Thanksgiving week. Creamed onions are not seen outside of New England
and macaroni and cheese is primarily offered in the South. Perhaps there is
something more American than apple pie. Different pies are popular in different
regions on Thanksgiving. While New England and the Mid-Atlantic states love
their apple pie, the South has pecan and sweet potato pie and the Midwest, and
West are known to have cherry pie.
Although food is the focus on Thanksgiving, it is not the only
aspect of the holiday. Parades have become an integral part of the holiday.
Since 1924, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been entertaining
millions in New York City and more watching on television from the comfort of
their own home. The parade route travels through Manhattan with floats and
balloons, marching bands, Broadway performances, celebrity appearances.The
finally of the parade is Santa Claus, the symbol the Christmas season has
begun.
Other spectator events include football. The National Football
League presents professional games, but community’s gather for high school
games. These games are traditionally rivalry games and build a sense of
camaraderie within the towns. And if that isn’t enough football, some families
will have backyard touch football games.
To counter the large meal, many people
participate in Turkey Trots. Turkey Trots are a road running event which are
held in numerous towns and cities on Thanksgiving morning. The distances and
number of participants vary. These types of events are often fundraisers for
local charities.
Each year one or two lucky turkeys are
awarded a presidential pardon. These birds are spared from being slaughtered
and are sent to a farm for retirement. John F. Kennedy is reported to be the
first president to pardon a turkey, but earlier presidents have been rumored to
do so. In 1989, George H. W. Bush made the annual turkey pardon a permanent
tradition.
Thanksgiving has since lost its original significance. Rather
than a harvest festival, it now centers on cooking and sharing a feast with
family and friends. While celebrated by most, it is protested by some. Since
1970, protesters have gathered at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, MA on Thanksgiving
Day to commemorate the National Day of Mourning. For some, Thanksgiving serves
as a reminder of the Native American suffering as a result of European
settlers. This day honors ancestors and recognizes the hardships faced by the
Native American people. Similar events are held throughout the country.
