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Thanksgiving an American Tradition
By carlvaleri | November 26, 2009
Plymouth Colonist sharing a feast with the local Indians, football games, and sharing a large dinner of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce is what I envision when I think of Thanksgiving. Pondering these wonderful thoughts I wonder how Thanksgiving became a holiday in America and why we celebrate on the last Thursday of November.
Did you know Thanksgiving did not become a National Holiday until 1863?
It might surprise many to discover that the first recognized Thanksgiving feast of 1621 did not become a national holiday until over 200 years later when President Lincoln declared this day a National day of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a fairly recent national holiday and sign into law in 1941 by Congress, surprising many when I tell them this fact. Another surprise is the realization that giving thanks for the autumn harvest was a long standing tradition even before the Pilgrims in Plymouth sat down with the Indians in 1621.
Football, Food, and Fun Facts
The history of the Holiday’s is a wonderful series which describes how our holiday traditions have evolved over the centuries. “History of Thanksgiving: Home for the Holidays” is another outstanding show produced by the History Channel. From the first Thanksgiving football game broadcast in 1934 to the wonderful Macy’s Day parade in New York City we are taken on a journey through what it means to celebrate Thanksgiving in America.
I enjoy watching this video during the holidays as a reminder of how the Holiday tradition of Thanksgiving has evolved. For each of us we all have our reality of Thanksgiving, but for most Americans the meaning is time with family and friends to reflect and give thanks for our many blessings we have received throughout the year.
For More Information:
History of Thanksgiving: Home for the Holiday’s on Itunes
The History of Thanksgiving on The History Channel.com
I Recommend:
Topics: American, History, Thanksgiving | No Comments »