The Alternative Times

Thoughts on the Holidays

The History of Thanksgiving

by Litisha Pysell

  Thanksgiving was first celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. In colonial New England in the early 17th century its actual origin, however, probably traces to harvest festivals that have been traditional in many parts of the world since ancient times. Thanksgiving's emphasis on home and family, appealed to many people throughout the United States. It also has roots in the Puritan custom of designating special days of thanksgiving to express. Gratitude for gods blessings, although these were strictly religious, and bore only a passing resemblance to modern thanksgiving celebrations. Thanksgiving traditions emerged that catered the city dwellers. The day after thanksgiving gradually became the Christmas shopping season.

First Thanksgiving

   According to www.msn.com, the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. While cooking methods and table etiquette have changed as the holiday has evolved, the meal is still consumed today with the same spirit of celebration and overindulgence.

   Foods ate at the first thanksgiving: venison, wild fowl, fruit, deer, vegetable dishes. Pilgrims used many spices including: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, and dried fruit in sauces for meats. They did not use portions or teaspoons, or tablespoons.

What are you most thankful for?

Mr. Oates – Children & Family.

Danika – My Family & Friends & The roof over my head.

Rosa – My Friends & some of my family.

Mr. Newsom – My Family & My love ones.

Lauren – My Family & Shoes.

Ms. Lawson – My Family & Good Health.

Mr. Price – Family & God.

Mr. Retton – Family & Good Health.

Ms. Dzeilski – My Family & Health.

Allen – family & friend free food

Mr.Kohan – family, friends, students, & their health.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

Mr. Oates – The right to live in a free country.

Danika – A day of being thankful for what you have and the FOOD!!

Rosa – a day of free food and a boring time with my family

Mr. Newsom – Thanks for the freedom that we have and love of Family & Friends.

Ms. Lawson – I must say that I am thankful for so many blessings from god.

Mr. Retton – A time to reflect and be thankful for everything God has given me.

Ms. Dzeilski –Turkey dinner.

Allen – Family Get-Together.

Mr.Kohan – a time to catch up with family and friends & remember what is most important.

What do you do during Thanksgiving?

Mr. Oates – Hunt, Eat, Watch Football & Sleep.

Danika – Eat lots of food and be with my family.

Rosa – Be bored out of my mind and eats lots of food.

Mr. Newsom – I usually hunt and later eat a big meal and watch football all day-evening.

Allen – I hunt and watch the football game and eat until I get full.

Mr.Kohan – visit family in Ohio play in the Turkey Bowl & eat lots of food.