Foundation of The Original Thanksgiving - Do you know?

The original thanksgiving was held in Massachusetts by the Pilgrim settlers during their second winter in America in December, 1621. The first winter had killed about one third of the original 102 colonists. At one point their daily food ration was a hand-full down of corn kernels apiece.  A trading vessel showed up unexpectedly, swapping them beaver pelts for corn.  This brought hope to the next crop season and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive.

The Pilgrims, whom had sought religious freedom and an opportunity in America, gave thanks to God for His provision (Jehovah Jireh-The Lord Will Provide) for helping them find cleared land for planting their crops, for the fact that there were no hostile Indians in that area, for their religious freedom, and for God’s provision of an interpreter to the Indians.  Along with the feasting and games, the Pilgrims and 80 friendly Indians (who added to the feast by bringing wild turkeys and venison), gave prayers, sermons, and songs of praise during the celebration. They spent three days feasting and praying.

From that time on Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set aside the last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday of November be observed as Thanksgiving Day and be a legal holiday.

I hope you knew this and continue to celebrate in the same fashion as it was intended.  Happy Thanksgiving to my Family, Church Family, Law Enforcement Family and Friends.

Love

The Kambers