Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-11-28

gathering. 1t occurred from the latter
part Of September to the middle Of Octo-
Der, lasting eight days at n time. 1t was
the feast of rejoicing after the harvest
ing of the crops, when the great work
of the year was done. The same idea
has prevailed in almost all nations.
Greece had its Elusiniun mysteries, last
ing nine days in September, being held
in honor OF Demetcr. the goddess of crops
and plenty The Romans. too. celebrat-
ed festival in honor of Ceres, who was
the Roman Demeter. This took place
early in October. When the larvests had
been brought in the people Of England
gathered to celebrate the Harvest Home,
n festival at which there was much jol-
lily and rejoicing.
The first Thanksgiving in America was
probably that held by the Pilgrims in the
fall OF 1921 when Gov. Bradford sent n.
party out TO secure game that a feast
might be observed. The colonists Ind
seen the first fruits of their sowing, and.
although the results We're nothing great,
get they were enough 10 make them
thankful and far better than they might
have been. The hunters went out and
bagsed great quantities of turkeys and
other game, enough, says one OF the coll
onists, 10 last them week. Massasiot,
who had been a good friend to the set
tiers, came into the feast with ninety of
his followers and they were royalty en-
tertained for three days. Besides the
feasting, there were trials of their skill
with the rifle and general jol.ity, OFF
and on the autumn celebrations were held
by the crlonists for many years. 1t did
not become regular custom to fix n dny
for Thanksgiving until 1863. when /, pres
idential proclamation was issued calling
upon the nation to offer mp prayers md
thanks. Ever since that time, each a,-
tumn has seen the return Of the custom
and 1t has come 10 be observed through.
out the nation. 1t is Il day of rejoicing.
II is prc-eminently. too. the day whel,
family ties are strengthened. The family
is the foundation Of national greatness
and consequently the country is ror
stronger because OF the observance az
this day. ut is day, when, MS far MS
possible. care is banished from the mind.
The spirit OF humanity is abroad and tho
poor and needy are helped to happiness
by those who are more fortunately stir.
ated.
In New England the. day is associated
with the great old-fashioncd house With
blazing hearths. around which the mem
bers OF the family gather and listen 10
strange and thrilling tales after dinner
different congregations meet in their ,e
spective churches and offer up praise mud
thanks for the bonnties of the year. Con.
tributions nre taken up for the moor
Talks are given that are calculated IN
inspire the listeners to greater effort in
the future.
No doubt the most wholesome custom
of thanksgiving is the gathering Of the
members of a family about common
board and their participation in common
pleasures. Nothing in the world SO grasses
care, SO soothes down trifing differences
and petty feelings of resentment tban
this sort of reunion. Especially is this
true If there are n number of Young pco-
pie, for then the elders put themselves
about to make the children have good
time. There are games of blind mans
buff and hide and seek, and ghosts in
the attic that are the source Of mingled
wonder and fear to young hearts. There
is such romping as the old house has not
known for many a day, and its halls re-
sound with the shouts and peals of mer-
~ laughter. Then there is the mighty
dinner without which Thanksgiving is
not a success. The long, strong table is
loaded down until it groans with the
weight Of the smoking turkeys, the great
dishes of potatoes. squash. cranberries
and score Of other delectablc things.
There follow pumpkin and mince pies
and fruit and candy and dclicacies that
Gun scarcely be named for number. Then
stories a.e told or read, and there is sing
ing and playing by those who are gifted
in a musical way.
Surely the world is better after SO
much of rejoicing and freedom from care.