History Of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is very strongly associated with American images of turkey dinners with family and friends

. Thanksgiving is not just celebrated in the Western world but has been actually celebrated in ancient times and in many different cultures.

During the ancient times, Thanksgiving was celebrated after the harvest season when there was abundant produce and the people were blessed with plenty of food lasting through the winter. Ancient Greece celebrated Thanksgiving in honor of the goddess of agriculture named Demeter. Romans celebrated the festival each year on October 4 in honor of the goddess of grains named Ceres. Ancient Egyptians honored their god of vegetation and fertility, Min, with music, dancing, and a great feast. Hebrews celebrated a festival called Sukkoth, it was a feast eaten inside huts.

All of these festivals were held for honoring their gods. Each event was celebrated with much feasting, singing and dancing. Offerings and pleas were made for another better harvest. Same types of traditional practices are still observed today despite the prevalence of Christianity.

When the Pilgrims were newly settled in the New World, they suffered from hardship, sorrow and tragedy. They were forced to confront the rough country in the New World. Many died in the struggle against the harshness and the threats of Native Americans. They had beaten the odds of surviving and became friends with their American Indian neighbors. The produced plenty of harvest enough to last through winter which were the reasons to thank God.

The Pilgrims also gave their thanks to their Lord which was similar to ancient peoples thanking their gods. They celebrated big feasts with families and friends. It was not like ancient times and there was not too much dancing, singing or drinking. Thanksgiving was a somber ceremony for the Pilgrims.

The custom of celebrating a feast after harvest was common throughout years but there was no particular date specified. However, the state of New York adopted Thanksgiving as an annual holiday in 1817. This was followed by other states and by the middle of 19th century; they had their appointed Thanksgiving Day. A national date for Thanksgiving Day was declared by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Every President had declared a date for national Thanksgiving Day which is usually the fourth Thursday of each November.

by: Tauqeer Hassan

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