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Why do Religions Celebrate Thanksgiving Day?
Thanksgiving is a particularly American holiday. The word evokes images of football, family reunions, roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and, of course, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, the acknowledged founders of the feast1. But have you ever thought about how religious people celebrate the holiday? This article will give the answer for you.
Thanksgiving Religious Activities
In the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated by people of every religion and background – that is part of what makes it such a wonderful holiday2! So what activities will religious do at thanksgiving day? Actually, there are various kinds of activities for them, such as trim a tree of thanks, read a book, create cards and more. They will use different ways to express their feeling at that day.
The Religious Meaning of Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving has been traced back to the beginning of American history. In 1620, the famous "Mayflower" Zhuan ship shu arrived in America with 102 puritans who could not bear the religious persecution in Britain in 1653. In the winter at the turn of 1620 and 1621, they encountered unimaginable difficulties. They were hungry and cold. When the winter passed, only 50 immigrants survived. At this time, the kind-hearted Indians gave the immigrants the necessities of life, and specially sent people to teach them how to hunt, fish, and grow corn and pumpkins. With the help of the Indians, the immigrants finally got a good harvest. On the day of celebrating the harvest, according to religious traditions, the immigrants set a day to thank God and decided to thank the Indians for their sincere help and invite them to celebrate the holiday together.
On Thursday in late November 1621, the Puritans and 90 Indians brought by Massassod gathered together to celebrate the first Thanksgiving in American history. They fired cannons at dawn, lined up into a room used as a church, expressed gratitude to God religiously, and then lit a bonfire for a grand banquet, and the turkey they caught was made into a delicacy to entertain the Indians. Wrestling, running, singing, dancing and other activities were held on the second and third days. The male Puritans went out hunting and catching turkey, while the women used corn, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and fruits to make delicious dishes at home. In this way, the whites and Indians gathered around the bonfire, eating, talking, singing and dancing. The whole celebration lasted three days. Many ways of celebrating the first Thanksgiving have been passed down to future generations.
This year’s Thanksgiving day is coming. Just prepare your thanksgiving party with your family.
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