Washington State journal and Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1906-1907, 1906-11-28

This festival is of Puritan origin,
though the custom of giving thanks for
favors of the field and stall has prevailed
as far back as written records go; with
the Greeks and even the Egyptians In
their feasts to Demeter and Iris. with the
Romans in their Cerealia, and with the
Jews in their Feast of Tabernacles. Com
ing down to more modern times, we read
Of public Thanksgiving in Germany, Hol.
land, and in England, the recollection OF
whose Harvest Home" perhaps, inspired
the Puritans to inaugurate the custom.
Though pious and devout. our New
England ancestors were yet rigid non-con-
formists, hence their rejection of Christ
mas as a relic of popery; yet the yearn-
ing of the heart for religious and family
festival had to be satisfied, and so they
instituted Thanksgiving lay, which they
appointed atter the gatherlng IN OF 'he
harvest, when, the main work OF the year
being accomplished, families sundered
might assemble in the homes OF their eld-
ers and give themselves up to short sea-
son OF solemnlty and mirth.
The hrst Thanksgiving. according to the
well-credited chronicler. Edward Winslow,
was held in 1921. ten months after the
landing of the Pilgrims, when. the crops
being garnered. they felt spring up with
in their hearts feeling OF praise and
thanksgiving. 1t lasted almost a week,
and was participated in by King Massa-
Toasted and entertained for three days,
the newcomers showing their guests their
proficiency in arms. experiences in wrest-
ling etc. But We may imagine that the
feelings of the Pale Faces were not wholly
mirthful as they disported before these
grim and stolid Red Men. To show their
prowess in turn. 1.-THE Indians went ont
and killed five deer, which they brought
to the plantation and bestowed on the
Governor and upon Captain Miles Stand
ish and Others" fine contribution to the
feast.
But. although Tins inaugurated IN,
custom was NOT thoroughly established 70,
some fine Days of nkSoivipc uere
appointed in the different colonies by diff,
ferent Governors for various occurrences
the safe arrival of ships bringing loved
relatives. provisions. etc.. for seasonable
weather. rain after long droughts, and
safe deliverances from perils and foes.
These. of course, were at different periods.
bur most of them occurred in October or
November, after the harvest.
On the day appointed, families being as.
sembled. they remembered first 'ir duty
to thank the "Giver of every good and
perfect gift" publicly, for His bounty
daring the year; ana so repaired early to
MS mouse 10 observe pubic worship.
hut "hen tne family ana guests all met
on THANKSGIVING LAY around the nos
pltaDie ooard' there was no LACK but
Isuperapuhdahce' OF Viands ana tempting
pastries game turkeys ana cnickens'
wholesome Vegetaoies ana inviting fruits
ne sooo wives ''eo WIN eacn otner III
.heir preparation Oh toolnsome deiicaeies
ihueeu' some Oh them were iamed through
ou' Tue co'ony 'or .heir culinary skill. 10
De eoou nousew,le IN ,nose days ana to
LOOK wen aiter the weitare ana comfort
OF ner family was CONSIDERED womans vo-
ca'loh'
Thanksgiving Day did not become ma
tional observance until some time after
the nations separate life was assured.
There was general Thanksgiving for
peace in 1854. but none Of national