The meaning of Thanksgiving

[pops1]

I am Australian and really don't know about your Thanksgiving holiday which isn't too far away.I could look it up on Google but thought l would rather hear about it from the experts.
What does Thanksgiving mean to you ?
Also the history behind it if possible please.

 

[cwayneu]

To me, it's just a time for family. We typically get our families together for a day of food and conversation (or watching football for some). Turkey is the the main course for most American's, with dressing, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, beets, and pumpkin pies.

Maybe I should be ashamed, but I really don't know much about the real meaning. The story is that it was a celebration between the original European pilgrims at Plymouth Rock (New England) and native American Indians, to thank God for a great Fall harvest. Some skeptics say the original pilgrims were not at Plymouth Rock, and the Indians were probably forced to celebrate. Who really knows. It's now just a time to gather the family and pig out. ;-)

There is also a Canadian Thanksgiving, but it is on the 2nd Monday of October. It is also a day of thanks to God after the Fall harvest.

 

[heyjude]

I second what Wayne said, especially the pigging out part!

Jude

 

[artisan soaps]

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[ChrissyB]

Geez the food sounds great!!

 

[IanT]

I agree.... Its a time to come together as a Family...enjoy the bounty of a feast and good company and laughter (and football!.. hoooooAAAAAH!)

Historically, Yes its a day to mark when the Native Americans sat the Pilgrims in a feast of thanks for the years bountiful harvest made when the Natives taught the Pilgrims to grow crops...

Its a pity because the Pilgrims took this knowledge, brought more white settlers and then nickle-dimed the Native Americans out of damn neary everything ...all rights, all land, all possessions, and killed an raped...claiming iminent domain....

Makes me very sad to think about it.. I try not to think about that whole part, I just enjoy the time with my family, The grub... and being able to be back at home... cause there is NOOOOTHING like Moms cooking!

Ive been craving her Manacotti and Turkey and everything, she makes all sorts of stuff for Thanksgiving.. its great

 

[Rosey]

I love thanksgiving! Lots of eating and time with the family!

My daughter asked if we celebrated Thanksgiving in France so I had to go step by step asking her "now, what is thanksgiving about?" and she told me "when the Indians and Pilgrims celebrated the harvest and were thankful for all the food". And I said "where did this happen?" "here" and ....lightbulb!

It's always fun for the kids though I have to say and we always say what we are thankful for and it's a time to reflect on our blessings.