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[[Image:Vc006494.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, set by Congress, December 18, 1777]]

[[Image:Vc006494.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, set by Congress, December 18, 1777]]

'''Thanksgiving Day''' is a national [[holiday]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] that is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.  It is traditionally a day set aside to give thanks to the [[God|Lord]] for His blessings and is celebrated though feasting and prayer.<ref name="Lede">{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=PwKAnPGqTDIC&q=thanksgiving+holiday+give+thanks+God&dq=thanksgiving+holiday+give+thanks+God&hl=en&ei=U6zOTursE4qOiAL91tHzCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CFgQ6AEwBDgK| title = The World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 7|quote=Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside each year for giving thanks to God for blessings received during the year. On this day, people give thanks with feasting and prayer. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada.|publisher = [[World Book Encyclopedia]]|year=2002|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Lede2">{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=fz514UAgIJAC&pg=PT27&dq=thanksgiving+holiday+God&hl=en&ei=H6zOTteXE6mjiALmzLHWCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CEUQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=thanksgiving%20holiday%20God&f=false| title = Twelve Holidays|quote=Thanksgiving Day-a holiday set aside for giving thanks to God. On Thanksgiving Day, many people from the United States and Canada give thanks for blessings received during the year with feasting and prayer.|publisher = [[Dorrance Publishing Co.]]|year=2011|author=Hazel Meadows|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Lede3">{{cite web|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=7l9YAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA875&dq=Thanksgiving+Day++giving+thanks+to+God+feasting+and+prayer.+It+is+celebrated+in+the+United+States+and+Canada.&hl=en&ei=H7LOTr60I63SiAL3uvziCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Thanksgiving%20Day%20%20giving%20thanks%20to%20God%20feasting%20and%20prayer.%20It%20is%20celebrated%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and%20Canada.&f=false| title = The American Stationer, Volume 40|quote=As a holiday Thursday will be observed throughout the entire United States, and in Canada also, as November 26 has been designated by both Governments as the day upon which the people shall unite in giving thanks to God for blessings received.|publisher = The American Stationer|date=26 November 1896|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref>

'''Thanksgiving Day''' is a national [[holiday]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] that is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.  It is traditionally a day set aside to give thanks to the [[God|Lord]] for His blessings and is celebrated though feasting and prayer.<ref name="Lede">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=PwKAnPGqTDIC&q=thanksgiving+holiday+give+thanks+God&dq=thanksgiving+holiday+give+thanks+God&hl=en&ei=U6zOTursE4qOiAL91tHzCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CFgQ6AEwBDgK| title = The World Book Encyclopedia, Volume 7|quote=Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside each year for giving thanks to God for blessings received during the year. On this day, people give thanks with feasting and prayer. It is celebrated in the United States and Canada.|publisher = [[World Book Encyclopedia]]|year=2002|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Lede2">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=fz514UAgIJAC&pg=PT27&dq=thanksgiving+holiday+God&hl=en&ei=H6zOTteXE6mjiALmzLHWCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CEUQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=thanksgiving%20holiday%20God&f=false| title = Twelve Holidays|quote=Thanksgiving Day-a holiday set aside for giving thanks to God. On Thanksgiving Day, many people from the United States and Canada give thanks for blessings received during the year with feasting and prayer.|publisher = [[Dorrance Publishing Co.]]|year=2011|author=Hazel Meadows|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Lede3">{{cite book|url = http://books.google.com/books?id=7l9YAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA875&dq=Thanksgiving+Day++giving+thanks+to+God+feasting+and+prayer.+It+is+celebrated+in+the+United+States+and+Canada.&hl=en&ei=H7LOTr60I63SiAL3uvziCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CFkQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Thanksgiving%20Day%20%20giving%20thanks%20to%20God%20feasting%20and%20prayer.%20It%20is%20celebrated%20in%20the%20United%20States%20and%20Canada.&f=false| title = The American Stationer, Volume 40|quote=As a holiday Thursday will be observed throughout the entire United States, and in Canada also, as November 26 has been designated by both Governments as the day upon which the people shall unite in giving thanks to God for blessings received.|publisher = The American Stationer|date=26 November 1896|accessdate = October 20, 2011}}</ref>

In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as the last Thursday in November. In 1941, the United States [[Congress]] passed a resolution decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November.  Thanksgiving Day proclamations have traditionally been given by the Presidents of the United States of America <ref> http://www.thanksgivingworld.com/thanksgiving-proclamations/index.html</ref>  

In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving Day as the last Thursday in November. In 1941, the United States [[Congress]] passed a resolution decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November.  Thanksgiving Day proclamations have traditionally been given by the Presidents of the United States of America <ref>http://www.thanksgivingworld.com/thanksgiving-proclamations/index.html</ref>  

==Colonial==

==Colonial==

The earliest Thanksgivings were celebrated by Americans who were keenly aware that their blessings -- like their rights -- came from God. In times of hardship unimaginable to us today, they took time to give thanks to their Creator. The event is commemorated by a national holiday in November with its origins in [[Virginia]] at Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619. The first Thanksgiving was a religious celebration -- an occasion to thank [[God]] -- that featured only a modest meal. It wasn't until two years later, in 1621, that Thanksgiving was expanded to include a banquet by the [[Pilgrims]] in [[Massachusetts]]. Thanksgiving was the first uniquely American holiday.

The earliest Thanksgivings were celebrated by Americans who were keenly aware that their blessings—like their rights—came from God. In times of hardship unimaginable to us today, they took time to give thanks to their Creator. The event is commemorated by a national holiday in November with its origins in [[Virginia]] at Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619. The first Thanksgiving was a religious celebration—an occasion to thank [[God]]—that featured only a modest meal. It wasn't until two years later, in 1621, that Thanksgiving was expanded to include a banquet by the [[Pilgrims]] in [[Massachusetts]]. Thanksgiving was the first uniquely American holiday.

==Washington==

==Washington==

In September 1789, Congress asked President [[George Washington]] to “recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness.” Washington complied. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=40032 President Washington Proclaims America’s Duty to ‘Obey’ God and ‘Be Grateful for His Benefits’] CNSNews, November 27, 2008</ref>  

In September 1789, Congress asked President [[George Washington]] to “recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness.” Washington complied.<ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=40032 President Washington Proclaims America’s Duty to ‘Obey’ God and ‘Be Grateful for His Benefits’] CNSNews, November 27, 2008</ref>  

{{cquote|''Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.'' <ref>http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/GW/gw004.html Library of Congress - George Washington Papers</ref>}}.

{{cquote|''Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.'' <ref>http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/GW/gw004.html Library of Congress - George Washington Papers</ref>}}.

Lincoln acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the nation's blessings, urging his fellow Americans to remember that: {{cquote|'''No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. ''Let Us Be Thankful For a Land That Will For Such Religion Stand.''''' <ref>http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html Library of Congress - Abraham Lincoln Papers</ref>}}  

Lincoln acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the nation's blessings, urging his fellow Americans to remember that: {{cquote|'''No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. ''Let Us Be Thankful For a Land That Will For Such Religion Stand.''''' <ref>http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/malhome.html Library of Congress - Abraham Lincoln Papers</ref>}}  

Throughout early American history, when they suffered from drought, famine or war, Americans paused, not to seek vengeance or to question their faith, but to give thanks to God for the blessings they still had. Not only have many Americans forgotten or never learned the historic origins of our Thanksgiving -- to pause and give thanks to God for our abundance -- but radical [[secularists]] are intent on removing God and [[faith]] from our national life altogether. Many of the entertainment and political elite seem to be threatened by religious faith.

Throughout early American history, when they suffered from drought, famine or war, Americans paused, not to seek vengeance or to question their faith, but to give thanks to God for the blessings they still had. Not only have many Americans forgotten or never learned the historic origins of our Thanksgiving—to pause and give thanks to God for our abundance—but radical [[secularists]] are intent on removing God and [[faith]] from our national life altogether. Many of the entertainment and political elite seem to be threatened by religious faith.

==History==

==History==

On August 1, 1620, the [[Mayflower]] set sail. The ship carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty [[Pilgrims]] led by [[William Bradford]]. On the journey, Bradford established a contract of "just and equal laws" for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. The revolutionary ideas expressed in the [[Mayflower Compact]] came from the [[Bible]].

On August 1, 1620, the [[Mayflower]] set sail. The ship carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty [[Pilgrims]] led by [[William Bradford]]. On the journey, Bradford established a contract of "just and equal laws" for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. The revolutionary ideas expressed in the [[Mayflower Compact]] came from the [[Bible]].

The Pilgrims had high regards to the lessons of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament|New Testaments]]. They looked to the ancient [[Israelite|Israelites]] as a positive example to follow. Because of the biblical precedents set forth in [[Scripture]], they never doubted that the first social contract in America would work.

The Pilgrims had high regards to the lessons of the [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]]s. They looked to the ancient [[Israelite]]s as a positive example to follow. Because of the biblical precedents set forth in [[Scripture]], they never doubted that the first social contract in America would work.

The journey to the [[New World]] was an arduous one. When the Pilgrims landed in [[New England]] in November, they found, according to Bradford's detailed journal, "[a] cold, barren, desolate wilderness." There were no friends to greet them. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. The Pilgrims suffered terribly during the winter of 1620–1621; half the Pilgrims, including Bradford's own wife, died of either starvation, sickness or exposure.  

The journey to the [[New World]] was an arduous one. When the Pilgrims landed in [[New England]] in November, they found, according to Bradford's detailed journal, "[a] cold, barren, desolate wilderness." There were no friends to greet them. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. The Pilgrims suffered terribly during the winter of 1620–1621; half the Pilgrims, including Bradford's own wife, died of either starvation, sickness or exposure.  

The following spring, local Wampanoag Indians taught the colonists how to fish for [[cod]] and skin [[beaver|beavers]] for [[coat|coats]], and how to grow corn (maize) and other local crops unfamiliar to the Pilgrims. The Indians helped the newcomers master hunting and fishing. Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper. No matter, the Pilgrims remained faithful to God and gave thanks as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments.<ref>''See, I Told You So'' (p. 70): "The True Story of Thanksgiving."</ref>

The following spring, local Wampanoag Indians taught the colonists how to fish for [[cod]] and skin [[beaver]]s for [[coat]]s, and how to grow corn (maize) and other local crops unfamiliar to the Pilgrims. The Indians helped the newcomers master hunting and fishing. Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper. No matter, the Pilgrims remained faithful to God and gave thanks as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments.<ref>''See, I Told You So'' (p. 70): "The True Story of Thanksgiving."</ref>

===Social Contract===

===Social Contract===

Although the fourth Thursday of November falls on a different date every year, the president is expected to proclaim that date as the official celebration.

Although the fourth Thursday of November falls on a different date every year, the president is expected to proclaim that date as the official celebration.

The Pilgrims’ triumph over starvation and disease at [[Plymouth Colony]] can be traced to something more than the charitable gestures of a few local Indians. Rather, it was their faith in Divine Providence and the blessings of God.  It also involves their courageous decision to replace a failed, socialistic agricultural system with one formed by the free-market principle of private ownership of property -- a century and a half before [[Adam Smith]] wrote The Wealth of Nations.<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23453 The Reality of Thanksgiving], by Mike Franc, ''Human Events'', 11/16/2007.</ref>  

The Pilgrims’ triumph over starvation and disease at [[Plymouth Colony]] can be traced to something more than the charitable gestures of a few local Indians. Rather, it was their faith in Divine Providence and the blessings of God.  It also involves their courageous decision to replace a failed, socialistic agricultural system with one formed by the free-market principle of private ownership of property—a century and a half before [[Adam Smith]] wrote The Wealth of Nations.<ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23453 The Reality of Thanksgiving], by Mike Franc, ''Human Events'', 11/16/2007.</ref>  

==Symbols of Thanksgiving==

==Symbols of Thanksgiving==

[[Category:Holidays]]

[[Category:Holidays]]

[[Category: United States]]

[[Category:United States]]