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. * To join/leave the list, search archives, change list settings, * * etc., please visit http://raven.utc.edu/archives/hp3000-l.html *