Thanks Be To God
President George Washington issued a national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789 as congress recognized the importance of Thanksgiving observance.
National Thanksgiving Proclamations proclaim thanks for God's providence in the events of the nation and, as President Washington explained in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, "for the many signal favors of Almighty God" in the lives of the people.
All in a Word
By Aileen Fisher
H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.
That spells ~~~THANKS---for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.
Origin of Thanksgiving Day
Origin of Thanksgiving DayThanksgiving is America's preeminent day. It is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. It has a very interesting history. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century when the first thanksgiving dinner is said to have taken place.
Journey of Pilgrims
The legendary pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic in the year 1620 in Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months with extreme difficulty. This was so because they were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel. No one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims comforted themselves by singing Psalms- a sacred song.
Arrival in Plymouth
The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11th 1620, after a sea journey of 66 days. Though the original destination was somewhere in the northern part of Virginia, they could not reach the place owing to winds blowing them off course. Nearly46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold in winter. However, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to survive by growing food.
Day of Fasting and Prayer
In the summer of 1621, owing to severe drought, pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and ask for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. It saved the corn crops.
First Thanksgiving Feast
It is said that Pilgrims learnt to grow corn, beans and pumpkins from the Indians, which helped all of them survive . 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 favors. This communal dinner is popularly known as "The first thanksgiving feast". There is however, no evidence to prove if the dinner actually took place.
While some historians believe pilgrims were quite religious so, their thanksgiving would've included a day of fasting and praying, others say that the Thanksgiving dinner did take place.
Turkey and First Thanksgiving Feast
There is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the first hand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included, ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc.
Pumpkin and Thanksgiving Feast
Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.
The feast continued for three days and was eaten outside due to lack of space. It was not repeated till 1623, which again witnessed a severe drought. Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving in the year 1676. October of 1777 witnessed a time when all the 13 colonies joined in a communal celebration. It also marked the victory over the British.
After a number of events and changes, President Lincoln proclaimed last Thursday in November of thanksgiving in the year 1863. This was due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor. She wrote a number of articles for the cause.
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Here are websites we've created to help you learn more about the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims and Squanto.
Squanto?
Learn about how Squanto was Providentially enabled to help the Pilgrims and find Christianity. Here are great resources and links, books, toys, teepee...2 points
William Bradford?
Get books, costumes, toys and other great resources to help you learn more about William Bradford (1590-1657).TIME LINE1590 Born in Austerfield, Engla...2 points
Priscilla Mullins?
Priscilla Mullins married John Alden in 1623 in Plymouth. Here you can learn more about her and get books, costumes, toys, paper dolls and other great...2 points
John Billington?
Learn about John Billington and find books and other products related to pilgrims like costumes, Mayflower kits and toys.2 points
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday, which is a form of harvest festival. The date and whereabouts of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention, though the earliest attested Thanksgiving celebration was on September 8, 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida.USA Today article reporting research into the purportedly first Thanksgiving in St. Augustine, FL Despite any scholarly research to the contrary, however, the traditional "first Thanksgiving" presented by Chief Massasoit is venerated as having occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621.
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.
Great Books
To Read Aloud With Your Family!
These are great for reading over and over, year after year! Keep a basket on the hearth and let the children dig in!
Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford
Few people realize that America was founded because a devout band of non-conformist Christians lived and breathed the covenant promises of Jesus Christ. Though the Pilgrims left England because of religious persecution, they actually left Holland to protect their children from ungodly influences. These parents risked everything to protect their young. Bradford boldly proclaimed that these families were willing to sacrifice their lives, if necessary, "even though they [the Pilgrims] be but steppi...2 points
Three Young Pilgrims
When Bartholemew, Remember, and Mary Allerton and their parents first step down from the Mayflower after sixty days at sea, they never dream that life in the New World will be so hard. Many in their Plymouth colony won't make it through the winter, and the colony's first harvest is possible only with the help of two friends, Samoset and Squanto.2 points
. . . If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern
What kind of ship was the Mayflower? How did the Pilgrims feel when they saw land? What was the first building in Plymouth? In lively question-and-answer style, this fact-filled book answers all sorts of questions about the Pilgrims' journey on the Mayflower and their first year in America.2 points
Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, An by Louisa May Alcott
Kindergarten-Grade 4-A picture-book adaptation of a classic holiday story that retains most of the major elements of the original, including Gram's misunderstood illness, the feigned bear attack, and the sisters' culinary foibles. While the adaptor's changes seem aimed at making the story more accessible to contemporary readers, this pared-down version unfortunately lacks the spirit of Alcott's creation.2 points
Stories of the Pilgrims (Yesterday's Classics) by Margaret B. Pumphrey
Beginning with Queen Anne's visit to Scrooby inn, tells in story form of the everyday life of the Pilgrims in England and Holland, of their voyage on the Mayflower and their adventures in the New World. The Brewster children and other Pilgrim boys and girls are the center of interest. A wonderful book to read aloud in the weeks before Thanksgiving. Suitable for ages 6 and up.2 points
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh
Today's children, beginners and advanced readers, will value the story about one family's first Thanksgiving in the Plymouth Colony, strikingly present in stylized, naive pictures like colored etchings. Giles, Constance and Damaris Hopkins are aboard the Mayflower, overcrowded when the Speedwell turns back to England. On the journey, the children's baby brother is born and named Oceanus; he will be one of the smallest in the company of settlers who endure the terrible first year in the New World...2 points
A Light Kindled: The Story of Priscilla Mullins by Tracy M. Leininger
Beautiful book, written by a former homeschool graduate.2 points
Squanto And The Miracle Of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas
This entertaining and historical story shows that the actual hero of the Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian, but God. In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a 12-year old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking...2 points
Mary of Plymouth by James Otis
Mary and the Pilgrims come to an America today's children would not recognize. Desolate and cold, there are no homes, no churches, no stores, no crops, no livestock. How did they build homes in the cold of a New England winter? What did they eat? What did they use to make candles and eating utensils? What about elections, church services, Indians, cooking, new foods? It's all here in fascinating detail. Mary of Plymouth is a story as instructive as it is appealing. A story sure to awaken your c....2 points
Plymouth in the Words of Her Founders by Paul Jehle
This guidebook, however, is unique. IT attempts to interpret the specific monuments erected in memory of the Pilgrims, Plymough's founders. After twenty-four years giving walking tours, researching the monuments and the intent of the their sculptors as well as the writings of the Pilgrims, Dr. Paul Jehle has let the founders of Plymouth interpret the symbols erected in their memory.<br /><br /><br /><br />
Plymouth is a town that has been besieged by revis...2 points
The Light and the Glory for Children: Discovering Gods Plan for America from Christopher Columbus to George Washington by Peter Marshall
This interactive children's edition of the best-seller, The Light and the Glory, reveals how God worked through America's founding fathers. Ages 9-12.2 points
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
from the Art of Eloquence Family to yours!
Art of Eloquence: Christian Communication Skills
FREE eBook! Download this beautiful little reminder of the real meaning of giving thanks, not only to our Lord and Savoir, but also to each other.
Te...2 points
A Time To Give Thanks
These websites have GREAT Thanksgiving books, clothing and etc. Really neat stuff. Check it out!
A Time To Give Thanks
VisionForum.com2 points
Thanksgiving Collection
2 points
Williamsburg, VA
Williamsburg, VA is a great place to visit during the holidays. Check this link out for a great 3 day Thanksgiving field trip.2 points
Take A Virtual Tour Of The Mayflower!
This Scholastic website offers a virtual tour of a replica of the
"Mayflower," the ship the Pilgrims boarded to sail to America.
When you get to the site, you have a choice of clicking on one of two
buttons:
*Take The Journey - Follow this interactive recreation of the Pilgrim's
voyage from Plymouth in England across the Atlantic ocean, through storms
and other perils, to Newfoundland and then to Plimoth in New England. Be
sure to turn on your speakers to hear the narration as you watch the
presentation.
*Tour The Ship - The "Mayflower" was a merchant ship. It wasn't built for
passengers. You can imagine what the voyage must have been like for the
Pilgrims as you virtually explore the rigging used to tighten sails, the
Round House used for navigation, the captain's cabin, the steerage room, the
ship's main deck, the crew's quarters or "tween decks", the forecastle or
kitchen, and you can even see the windlass used to draw anchor.
After your tour, scroll down the main page to the "Pilgrim Timeline." Click
on the audio icons to hear a brief historical account of the Pilgrims from
1616 to 1620.
Then, scroll to "More to Explore" near the bottom of the page, and click on
the menu items to learn more about Plymouth Colony, the Pilgrims, and the
Wampanoag. You can also click on "Plimoth Plantation" a website devoted to
an actual historic park that is a recreation of a 1627 Pilgrim village.
(Includes tons of resources for teachers.)
The First Thanksgiving: Voyage on the Mayflower
This content resource provides information about voyage of the Mayflower. Tour the ship or relive the Pilgrims' journey.2 points
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth MA
The official site of Plimoth Plantation and the first thanksgiving. The story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people.2 points
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Reader Feedback
Please rate us and let us know what you think! HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!
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This was a great resource for books to use for learning about Thanksgiving. Thanks for doing the research for me!
Posted November 13, 2007
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