Thanksgiving Festival
Thanksgiving is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks for the harvesting of crops at the end of the harvest season. In the US, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November while in Canada; it’s the second Monday of October.
Having lived in the States for six years you are immersed into the history and the celebration through the schools……. It’s a wonderful story celebrating the very best of human behaviour.
It all dates from 1620 when the pilgrims crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower, (a 17th Century sailing vessel). About 100 people travelled for nearly two months below decks due to the terrible storms that raged about during the crossing.
When the pilgrims finally reached Plymouth Rock it was on the 11th December 1620; a sea journey of 66 days - and slightly off course from their main destination due to the strong winds. During that long cold winter 46 pilgrims died due to the extreme cold.
In the spring of 1621, Squanto, a Native American Indian and his fellow Native American Indians taught the remaining pilgrims to survive by growing corn, beans, pumpkins and catching eels.
Come the summer of 1621, a severe drought stuck and the pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and asked for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained. It saved all the crops and in the autumn of 1621 they held a grand celebration where 90 people were invited including Indians. The grand feast was organized to thank God for his harvest favours.
In the UK Harvest Festivals are traditionally held on the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox (approximately 23rd September) and eaten on Michaelmas Day (the last day of the harvest season). Unlike the USA and Canada, the UK does not have a national holiday for the Harvest Festival. This is a real shame because it is such a wonderful occasion to come together with family and friends giving thanks for the harvest.
To all our American friends A Very Happy Thanksgiving Day! To all our Canadian friends a belated Happy Thanksgiving!
