“Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, – a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.”
~George Herbert
Thanksgiving is a tradition started in New England in the early 1600’s by puritan pilgrims who thanked God for life’s infinite blessings. Mainly a religious observance and a harvest festival, the commemoration of Thanksgiving has evolved through the years. By government edict, it is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. This year the holiday falls on November 27, 2008.
The traditional Thanksgiving is associated with a day of prayer to show gratitude to God for life’s astounding harvests. Americans mark the day with travels for reunions of family and friends, charities, food drives to feed the poor and the homeless, parades, TV programs, and football games.
Serving roasted or baked turkey, potato, gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, veggies, and pumpkin pie highlight the celebration. The thanksgiving dinner is reminiscent of the simple food eaten by the puritans and their native Indian friends who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early days of America.
The message of Thanksgiving has seeped in the consciousness of the world and many nations do observe the holiday. It is said that if people have just a fraction of gratitude that they need in their hearts each day, the world will be much better to live in. (Photo Credits: PanoramicViewer; RuthAlice43)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!
Ibalon 