Mesa Legend

Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Opinion

Think back to elementary school, maybe third grade, to remember what you were taught Thanksgiving was all about.
The Native Americans and Pilgrims getting together and sharing a meal, celebrating their union over turkey, potatoes, corn, everything we eat now.
Now, think about Thanksgiving today.
It's more of a mad rush, who's going to whose house, who will cook, etc.
What is Thanksgiving really about? The word itself, "thanks giving;" it's traditionally a harvest festival, a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give thanks to God and the Native Americans for helping the pilgrims survive the brutal winter.
This gratitude is not lost, however, in modern times it is recognized more as a secular holiday.
On the fourth Thursday of November each year, family and friends still gather to have a feast, but in a different honor.
We all come together to stuff our stomachs with turkey, watch football and parades, and enjoy the company of our family and the time off.
It's obviously still widely celebrated, but nobody sits around and discusses the origins over their dinner, we simply enjoy the day and relax.
The true reason for "thanks" may be lost, but the custom holds strong.
Then, there's the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday," which probably didn't mean half as much to our ancestors.
From that day until Christmas day it's just another mad rush to find out who's getting what and meeting who where.
Thanksgiving is a tradition that will probably never be lost, there's nothing better than spending time with friends and family over a jovial feast.

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