Thanksgiving Folklore
Turkey, delectable food, lots of candies, fun and frolic, gifts and saying ‘Thank You’ to everyone is all my kids know about Thanksgiving. Since they never asked, I didn’t even find it significant to tell them the reason why we celebrate such a grateful occasion.
But suddenly last week when we were sitting on the breakfast table, my daughter very naively asked me this question, ‘Momma, why do I need to say thanks to dad even if he hasn’t done anything for me since morning? ’ And I was like so elated to hear this; my husband was smiling and took her in his lap and talked about the history of Thanksgiving.
An occasion celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November month in America is also jubilated in Canada on some other day. In the ancient times, it was renowned with the name ‘harvest festival.’ The day witnesses lots of vigor and gusto in the hearts of the residents of the country. It’s the time to express gratitude and appreciation to God for the bountiful harvest and blessings he has showered in the last year. It is a traditional holiday to cherish togetherness and prayers sung by your family and friends to keep you lively and prosperous for the whole year.
The Thanksgiving custom dates back to the sixteenth century when there took a grand feast and celebration by Plymouth settlers (Pilgrims) and Wampanoag Indians. Because of the exuberant harvest in the year 1621, for the pilgrims who had started coming from England, they thanked God and prepared a scrumptious dinner including turkey and other birds such as goose ad duck.
Since then begun the practice of expressing gratefulness to God for the food we eat and to your fellowmen who are there for you in all your merry and sad times. As times have transformed, rituals have taken a twist and many different fun events and activities are invoked to mark the occasion every year. Parades, fetes, shopping and exchange of gifts are other fantastic ways to celebrate and recognize each other’s presence. All in all, it is a wonderful day to value the company of Lord Almighty and folks in your life.