For those that are interested in these bits of history, it might prove
worthwhile to visit www.plimoth.org, the website of "The Plimoth Plantation
Museum". They seem to take their efforts seriously enough. And they have a
lot of good things to say about the Wampanoag Indians, and their role in
what we tend to think of as "the First Thanksgiving"
<http://www.plimoth.org/Library/Thanksgiving/firstT.htm>.

They have a page on "Gov. Bradford First Thanksgiving Proclamation"
<http://www.plimoth.org/Library/Thanksgiving/th-bradp.htm>. As agreeable as
the sentiment may be, that those who see the hand of providence in their
happy state should thank the Almighty, it appears not to be genuine. The
others, I would have to look at, and this site is probably a good place to
start.

Another benefit of this site is it helps to straighten out some of the
unfortunate confusions surrounding the "first thanksgiving", none of which
appear to have been intended as the first of an on-going annual holiday. See
"Alternative claimants to the First American Thanksgiving"
<http://www.plimoth.org/Library/Thanksgiving/alternat.htm>

Now, I have been told that I take my religion far too seriously, since it
matters to me which holidays I do and do not celebrate, and how I celebrate
those I do (although I do not begrudge others their own holidays, and have
no compunction about taking advantage of any opportunities they may
present). But I find it fascinating that the Puritans did not keep
particular holy days (such as Christmas
<http://www.plimoth.org/Library/xmas.htm>), but apparently believed in
routinely declaring days of penance or thanksgiving, as they perceived
circumstances demonstrating divine favor or rebuke (which apparently
coincided with Fall and early Spring). It seems that they would not have
wanted any part of our "fourth Thursday of November" day of thanksgiving,
and would probably not be at all pleased that we associate our practice with
theirs.

Whatever you do this Thursday and Friday, may you be glad you did it, and
may those of you who see the hand of providence in their happy state thank
the Creator. At least let your family know that you are thankful for them,
if at all possible.

Greg Stigers
http://www.cgiusa.com
and do try to stay out of the E.R.

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