What does Thanksgiving represent?
To be honest, I did not know the true history behind this festival which is celebrated in North America until I did some research today.
More than two centuries ago in September 1620, a group of people called the "Puritans" who were in conflict with the the church of England regarding their faith, left Plymouth to set sail in the Mayflower. Seeking a new home where they could practice their faith freely, they finally arrived in North America. The Wampanoag Indian who then occupied parts of what are now the states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard and adjacent islands, welcomed the pilgrims to set up colonies and taught them how to grow crops. In November 1621, after the first harvest, Governor William Bradford requested a feast to be celebrated in gratitude to God for answering their prayers and to Massasoit, Chief of the Wampanoag and the his people for giving them a home.
President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1863 after Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's book, wrote a number of articles in favor of that day being a national holiday.
Today many Americans enjoy the most traditional part of this harvest festival, which is a roasted turkey with stuffings. It is served with a gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans casserole and cranberry sauce . For dessert, there is the pumpkin or sweet potato pie and apple cider. Whether turkey was a customary dish when the Pilgrims hosted this feast remains unclear. I am not big on meat but who knows, I might be in luck and find a tofukey (tofu turkey) at the American club tonight.
A Thanksgiving Prayer
Based on a prayer of Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)
Holy and gracious God, we give thanks for the gift of this gathering: for the food before us; the loving hands that have prepared it and the blessings we share together. Kindle our hearts and awaken hope that we may know you always as our companion along the way. Forgive us where we have fallen short with each other and with ourselves; heal our wounds, restore our health, strengthen our souls and help us to be ever mindful the needs of those near us who have so little. Teach us to believe that by your grace all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. Amen
And so this Thanksgiving, let us all remember that we have to be grateful for both great and small blessings. When we stop to consider all the ways our lives have been blessed, we can be thankful for what we have.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
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