Being a history enthusiast, I always find it beneficial to refresh, or maybe better said, refamiliarize myself with the background of events and holidays. With the celebration of American Thanksgiving tomorrow, it seems an opportune time to do so. The first thing that may come to mind for many will be the Thanksgiving Feast adorned with a Turkey as a centerpiece (See last weekend’s newsletter). Why a turkey? Traditionally, the foods displayed on this harvest table are reflective of the foods that would have been available to the Pilgrims nearly 400 years ago. Turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, cranberries, and yes, even pumpkin pie. While we limit our celebration to a single day, according to Edward Winslow, who was at what is regarded as the original Thanksgiving feast in 1621, it was reported to have lasted three days and was attended by 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. Do keep in mind that there are records of harvest or Thanksgiving feasts that were celebrated by settlers as early as 1607, but technically, these folks were not Pilgrims and could very well have been Puritans, who they did not see eye to eye with. This would be almost as bad as mixing up Lutheran and Methodist gatherings today. We all know the potlucks in the Lutheran basements are far superior! While various harvest/thanksgiving celebrations most likely occurred every year, it was not until 1777 that there was an official Proclamation of Thanksgiving that was issued by the Continental Congress. Then finally, in 1863, it was made into a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln. Interestingly enough, November 26th was the date originally chosen for the annual celebration, which is the date it falls on this year.
First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
Sadly, for many, particularly those outside of the world of agriculture, Thanksgiving probably centers more around a day off of work, football games, parades, and pre-planning for the big black Friday sales. Oh, sure, there may be some lip service given to what they may be thankful for, but as society moves further and further away from producing food, I am afraid too many take for granted that the grocery aisles will always be stocked with anything they want and need (possibly outside of toilet paper and bleach this year).
Be that as it may, 2020 has been a most unusual and challenging year, filled with suffering for far too many. That said, if we lose sight of the abundance that surrounds us, both material and spiritual, it will have been a tragedy indeed. With that in mind, I wish you all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.