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RANDOM THOUGHTS: Thanksgivng Day has grown
Many generations of youngsters grew up learning that the Pilgrims and Indians held the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621. It took years before any mention was made of the earlier time when the Jamestown colony gave thanks for their deliverance. Much later the Spaniards came into the picture. Historians found that in 1541 Coronado’s expedition struggled almost to the death as they crossed what later became Texas. When they finally reached a land where game was plentiful to feed them they held a Thanksgiving mass. In 1565 another group of Spanish explorers landed at Saint Augustine, Florida and they rejoiced in the same manner. Finally another adventurous band of Spaniards held another Thanksgiving mass in El Paso, Texas in 1598.
Giving thanks has been part of the human spirit since the beginning of mankind. The earliest people recognized they were dependent on an unseen power when they produced a good harvest. Those ancient people rendered homage to the spirit who caused the crops and fruit to grow.
Eventually North Americans named a specific time as a holiday to give thanksgiving. In the United States it is the fourth Thursday in November and in Canada it is the second Monday in October. George Washington issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring that Thursday, the 26th day of November, 1789, was a day of thanksgiving.
As I read the words of that long proclamation I thought about all the determined folks today who protest any mention of religion in the public square. I wonder how many of those protesters have studied the words of our founding fathers. Washington began his proclamation with these words, “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor…” All through the lengthy piece God is a central theme.
It took many years before the custom of Presidential Proclamations preceding Thanksgiving became firmly entrenched. In his A Short Outline of Thanksgiving, Ogden Nash describes proclamations cynically. “Thanksgiving, like ambassadors, cabinet-officers and others smeared with political ointment, depends for its existence on Presidential appointments.”
Thanksgiving Day grew to include many activities other than acknowledging the providence of God. It is a day when families gather and enjoy a feast. It is a day to watch football. Those parts are important as long as the real reason for the day is not forgotten. A great leader of the Native American nation, Tecumseh, gave some inspiring thoughts on thanksgiving.
“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday. She may be reached at dcb1@frontiernet.net.
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