Day Of Thanks Celebrated Around The Country
History Shows How The Holiday Evolved
Few holidays are as bound by tradition as Turkey Day.
Fill in the blank: It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without…? Any number of foods could make the cut here, from the turkey and pumpkin pie in this photo, to dressing, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November, Thanksgiving is a holiday that Americans learn about early. In grade school, students cut, fold and glue construction paper into hats and headdresses to represent pilgrims and Native Americans. Parents have long photographed their kids in these costumes, and many still have those pictures. Scanning them would be a great way to share holiday memories with the next generation.
Today’s Thanksgiving feast includes a bounty of dishes that could cause a weak table to buckle: rolls still warm from the oven, pecan pie that’s gooey and sweet, cranberry sauce straight from the can. The menu in 1621, year of the first meal shared by the Wampanoag people (Native Americans) and the English (pilgrims), did not resemble this. It included deer and shellfish, neither of which would be considered traditional dishes by current standards. The first official Thanksgiving in Plymouth occurred in 1623, and President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national day of thanks two centuries later. In 1941, Congress made it a national holiday.
Although most Americans look upon Thanksgiving with fond food memories, not everyone feels the same way. Some Native Americans – particularly the Wampanoags – visit Plymouth every year during this time to honor their predecessors with a vigil.
No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, though, it is often spent with family and friends. The holiday marks the start of a busy holiday season. So before shopping and gift-giving duties overwhelm you, take a moment to flip through your old pictures. Scanning them into digital format will make reminiscing this holiday season a lot simpler.
Tags: pictures scanning, Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday of reflection, food and photos. I am so thankful to be able to spend time with my children this year. It is always a treat and time for great photo opportunities. One of my favorite videos to look at this time of year is when my daughters invited us to Thanksgiving at their place. It was their first time cooking the Thanksgiving dinner by themselves. The feast was scrumptious and the company even better. I am truly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving to all.