KC Hill
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Craig Hill
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Oracle of DelphiThanksgiving
November 22nd 2007 01:58
I'd like to wish Happy Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating this annual event in US. There are not many countries in the world celebrates Thanksgiving because it has been a US tradition, as far as I know, until I checked out more about this traditional celebration from Wikipedia. Let's see what it has to say:
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks at the conclusion of the harvest season. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada.
(For those who are Canadians, happy belated Thanksgiving Day!)
The earliest Thanksgiving events were held in the British Colonies, at present day Berkeley Plantation in Virginia in 1619 and at Plymouth in present day Massachusetts in 1621.
The Long Holiday
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day, always a Thursday, is part of four day long weekend which usually marks a pause in school and college calendars. Many workers (78% in 2007) are given both Thanksgiving and the day after as paid holidays, and others with leave benefits are allowed to take a vacation day.
After Thanksgiving Day, the day after is known as the unofficial holiday of Black Friday, the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. Many retailers open very early (typically 5 A.M.) and offer doorbuster deals and loss leaders to draw people to their stores.
Travel
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, and the following Sunday, last day of the long weekend, are typically two of the heaviest annual travel days for passengers airlines, intercity rail and bus services, and highway travel.
The Tradition
Thanksgiving meals are traditionally family events where certain kinds of food are served. As is evidenced by the tremendous level of travel, significant effort is made by family members to gather for the Thanksgiving celebration. Family participation is notably inclusive ranging from the very youngest to the most senior. First and foremost, turkey is the featured item in most Thanksgiving feasts (so much so that Thanksgiving is sometimes facetiously referred to as "Turkey Day"). Stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, corn, turnips, rolls, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie are commonly associated with Thanksgiving dinner. Often guests bring food items or help with cooking in the kitchen as part of a communal meal.
There is very little commercial activity associated with the Thanksgiving celebration itself. While Thanksgiving greeting cards are sold they are not widely used. Gifts, beyond food or drink items brought to share, are typically not expected or exchanged. Home made knick knacks or trinkets, especially those made by children, are often used as decorative items. These knick knacks or trinkets are often kept for many years.
In keeping with the holiday theme of giving thanks, during the socializing or meal, people talk about what they are thankful for or tell about experiences during the past year which have caused them to feel grateful.
The Thanksgiving holiday was established as a national day of giving thanks and praise to God.[2][3] The religious heritage of Thanksgiving continues in the tradition of saying grace at the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday dinner.
The Thanksgiving season is also a time of generosity. People contribute food to annual Thanksgiving food drives and donate to charities.
There is more to know about Thanksgiving from Wikipedia, but I have decided to spare you from reading here and you can check out the link from this post and read more detail history about the Thanksgiving celebration!
Have a blessed day!
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Jessicca
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I believe it is always great to know about traditions and those who are good is always good to remember and keep them. They remind us of our roots and keep us humble on how it all began and should continue to give thanks to how far we have come to this age
(Which sadly to my sense many has forgotten about it and lost a lot of senses and become extreme in everything)
Thank you so much for your continuous support katyzzz, your presence is always so encouraging!
Have a blessed day and coming weekend
Jessicca