Mankind has always celebrated the harvest with a feast and with fellowship. A bountiful harvest meant survival and many blessings to come. Ancient civilizations have documentation that indicate celebrations were held during the harvest season each year. The Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks, and Chinese are just a few people we know who held a festival each season when the harvest was in.
The first harvest festival celebrated in North America was in 1621. This is widely considered the first Thanksgiving. Native Americans were happy to share their bountiful harvest with the colonists because the Pilgrims showed their respect to the Native Americans by following the strict hunting and planting philosophies set forth by the local Tribes. By honoring the culture of the Native Americans, the Pilgrims gained their trust and their protection, ensuring the colonists' survival through the first harsh winters. This was indeed something to be thankful for!
The harvest celebrations in North America during the early years were not referred to as Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, the term Thanksgiving was a religious holiday observed in organized churches. The term Thanksgiving Day was used later as an official annual event in New York State. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving and since then every president has honored this day of thanks annually.
President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving should be held each year on the third Thursday of November. Later, Congress passed a resolution that moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of each November and that is when Thanksgiving is officially observed to this day.
The earliest harvest celebrations would not resemble the feasts we see on our Thanksgiving tables today. A twenty pound farm-raised turkey would not the the centerpiece. Instead, migrating ducks and geese would no doubt have center stage. A wild turkey may have shared the table, but would not hold the sacred spot the turkey holds on today's table. It is also widely believed that seafood would have been a mainstay on the harvest table considering the proximity of the colonies to the Atlantic Ocean's coastline.
Root crops and seasonal vegetables would be featured on the harvest table. Roasted potatoes, squash, onions, and late season corn would be plentiful. Side dishes which we are now familiar with would not be included for several reasons. Cranberry relish, macaroni and cheese, and green bean casseroles would be impossible to prepare or preserve. Desserts which rely on sugar, such as pies and cakes, would not be available. More likely, you would find winter berries and nuts as your dessert at a harvest festival. Because of the scarcity of sugar, salt, and spices, the food would be prepared simply. The meal would be plentiful, but not fancy.
It took a couple hundred years to develop the dishes that we traditionally think of as Thanksgiving dinner today. As food supplies increased and shipping became easier, our ability to make meals using a variety of ingredients became possible. For example, readily available canned goods made way for dishes such as the much loved Green Bean Casserole. We also developed more recipes around our modern appliances, such as the food processor, microwave, blender, and crock pot. Even a reliable oven, freezer, and refrigerator played a large part in how our meals evolved. However, our traditional Thanksgiving menu can take an unexpected turn. For instance, during WWII when sugar was rationed, we had to say good bye to our once beloved pumpkin pie for a while.
We gather to reflect on all the reasons we have to be thankful this year - our family and friends, the bountiful supply of food, and the conveniences we enjoy that help us get that feast on the table. The first harvest celebrations were a way for the colonists and the Native Americans to express their gratitude both for the bounty and for the survival of another year. Today, we give thanks for our own plentiful harvest, our loved ones, and the good years to come. Happy Thanksgiving! - 30289
The first harvest festival celebrated in North America was in 1621. This is widely considered the first Thanksgiving. Native Americans were happy to share their bountiful harvest with the colonists because the Pilgrims showed their respect to the Native Americans by following the strict hunting and planting philosophies set forth by the local Tribes. By honoring the culture of the Native Americans, the Pilgrims gained their trust and their protection, ensuring the colonists' survival through the first harsh winters. This was indeed something to be thankful for!
The harvest celebrations in North America during the early years were not referred to as Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, the term Thanksgiving was a religious holiday observed in organized churches. The term Thanksgiving Day was used later as an official annual event in New York State. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving and since then every president has honored this day of thanks annually.
President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving should be held each year on the third Thursday of November. Later, Congress passed a resolution that moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of each November and that is when Thanksgiving is officially observed to this day.
The earliest harvest celebrations would not resemble the feasts we see on our Thanksgiving tables today. A twenty pound farm-raised turkey would not the the centerpiece. Instead, migrating ducks and geese would no doubt have center stage. A wild turkey may have shared the table, but would not hold the sacred spot the turkey holds on today's table. It is also widely believed that seafood would have been a mainstay on the harvest table considering the proximity of the colonies to the Atlantic Ocean's coastline.
Root crops and seasonal vegetables would be featured on the harvest table. Roasted potatoes, squash, onions, and late season corn would be plentiful. Side dishes which we are now familiar with would not be included for several reasons. Cranberry relish, macaroni and cheese, and green bean casseroles would be impossible to prepare or preserve. Desserts which rely on sugar, such as pies and cakes, would not be available. More likely, you would find winter berries and nuts as your dessert at a harvest festival. Because of the scarcity of sugar, salt, and spices, the food would be prepared simply. The meal would be plentiful, but not fancy.
It took a couple hundred years to develop the dishes that we traditionally think of as Thanksgiving dinner today. As food supplies increased and shipping became easier, our ability to make meals using a variety of ingredients became possible. For example, readily available canned goods made way for dishes such as the much loved Green Bean Casserole. We also developed more recipes around our modern appliances, such as the food processor, microwave, blender, and crock pot. Even a reliable oven, freezer, and refrigerator played a large part in how our meals evolved. However, our traditional Thanksgiving menu can take an unexpected turn. For instance, during WWII when sugar was rationed, we had to say good bye to our once beloved pumpkin pie for a while.
We gather to reflect on all the reasons we have to be thankful this year - our family and friends, the bountiful supply of food, and the conveniences we enjoy that help us get that feast on the table. The first harvest celebrations were a way for the colonists and the Native Americans to express their gratitude both for the bounty and for the survival of another year. Today, we give thanks for our own plentiful harvest, our loved ones, and the good years to come. Happy Thanksgiving! - 30289
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