Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays
of the year where family and friends gather and give thanks. The tradition dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth
colonists shared a harvest feast with Native Americans. The Wampanoag tribe
came bearing much of the food and like most Native American tribes had their
own long-standing tradition of harvest celebrations. In fact, there was so much
food that the revelry lasted for three days! So, sitting down to a big plate of yet more
leftovers on the Saturday after Turkey Day isn't overkill, it's tradition!
The
generous Wampanoag’s taught the colonists where to fish, where to hunt and how
to plant corn. It’s likely that venison, wild fowl – roasted duck or goose,
seafood - lobster, clams and mussels, dried corn, porridge and simple
cranberries, chestnuts and walnuts were on the first Thanksgiving menu. Probably
not turkey, potatoes, corn or pumpkin pie!
In 1863, in the
midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National
Thanksgiving Day, to be held on the fourth Thursday of each November. That’s
why this year’s Thanksgiving is so late.
Living
on the North Fork, we have a great deal to be thankful for. We are especially
blessed to be in this wonderful part of our country. More than ever we need to foster
understanding, kindness and civility.
May
this year’s Thanksgiving serve as a time of gratitude for all our blessings and
may we each, in our own way, share our abundance.
All
of us at Beninati Associates wish all of you, God’s Blessings and a very Happy
Thanksgiving Holiday.
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