Every year when Thanksgiving rolls around, we see turkeys lining the freezers at the grocery store, and hear stories of Pilgrims and Indians. Everyone probably knows that Thanksgiving is a day of giving thanks, and that it began with the Pilgrims and the Indians hundreds of years ago. But what does Thanksgiving really mean?
In 1620, a group of people set sail for America. At that time the trip was quite treacherous. They had to come by boat, and the voyage was long. There were serious dangers lurking in the open water. Ships were often lost and never found again, and some people still believed that once they sailed away, they would be doomed to wander forever. At that point in time, it was hard to believe there was anything on the other side of that vast ocean.
But to them, it was worth the trip. They were seeking a land where they could teach their children as they liked, and worship as they pleased. After 65 days at sea, during which time many became sick and one died, the Pilgrims chose to settle at Plymouth, where a beautiful natural harbor beckoned them. They were concerned about raids by the Native Americans, but soon learned that they were a peaceful people who meant them no harm.
Still, that first winter was harsh. Less than 50 of the pilgrims remained when the winter was over. Seeing how difficult mere survival had been for the foreigners, the Native Americans stepped in to help. The Indians taught the Pilgrims what they needed to know to survive in this new, harsh world. The Pilgrims paid attention, and soon they had a large harvest, and were ready for the coming winter.
The Pilgrims were so thankful that they chose to have a feast to celebrate. They invited those who had literally saved their lives — the Indians — and the celebration lasted for three days. Though they had a few lean years ahead, and many more hardships, they pulled through with the help of their Indian neighbors.
Soon the Thanksgiving celebration became a yearly event, a way to celebrate the harvest and friendship. The idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday spread, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln made it official.
So why do some consider Thanksgiving a religious holiday? The people who came to America were seeking religious freedom. They were tired of requirements that made them bend to someone else’s beliefs. They wanted to be free to pursue God in whatever way they chose, and that is why the voyage and subsequent hardship was gratefully endured.
Thanksgiving is also a good reminder of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Native Americans saw that their new neighbors were struggling, and they gave them a helping hand. By doing so, they saved their lives — and today, Thanksgiving pays homage not only to the harvest, but to good friends who make life brighter.