Thanksgiving
The leaves are well on their way in changing colors, the air is more crisp, and daylight fades away even faster. Yup, it’s November, with the big holiday being Thanksgiving. A time to remember to count all our blessings and to be grateful for all that we have. So many have family traditions that remain a large part of the holiday even today. They range from watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football, to large family gatherings, that special food, or maybe even putting up the Christmas Tree after Thanksgiving dinner.
Origin of Thanksgiving
It all began a long time ago. In 1621, the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims (English colonists) at Plymouth, Massachusetts got together for a feast after having a successful harvest of the crops. This was the "first Thanksgiving."
Many presidents played a role in establishing this event as a national holiday. In 1789, after we became a nation, President George Washington was the first to issue a proclamation for a national "Day of Thanksgiving." Other presidents followed his plan, but the dates varied.
It was President Abraham Lincoln that proclaimed the national Day of Thanksgiving to be on the last Thursday of November. This date in November has stood the test of time since.
Why the Turkey, not another animal?
The main reason the turkey was chosen is because there was a large amount of wild turkeys in the area, not to mention the large size of the bird allowed one bird to feed many people. Male turkeys are the only turkeys who gobble, this is why they are called "gobblers." Females make cackling sounds. Male turkeys are also called toms or jakes. Female turkeys are called hens.
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush was the first president to pardon a turkey. This has remained an American tradition. Although, President John F Kennedy was actually the first to say, "Just let the turkey go," pardoning the bird. It was not made an official tradition until 26 years later.
Did you know?
"Jingles Bells" was originally a Thanksgiving song. In 1857, a Sunday School teacher wrote the song, originally named "One Horse Open Sleigh." Sarah Hale, who wrote, "Mary Had A Little Lamb," had a large part in convincing President Lincoln to make the Day of Thanksgiving proclamation.
TV dinners began as a Thanksgiving dinner. An executive in the Swanson food company accidentally ordered too many turkeys. So Swanson decided to package a turkey meal.
The national bird was originally going to be the turkey. This idea was pushed heavily by Bejamin Franklin, but got denied. The people of that time felt the bird was too clumsy and not majestic enough.
The Macy's Day Parade was inspired as a result of the Gimble Brothers Department Store hosting the first parade in Philadelphia in 1920. Four years later, the renowned Macy's Day Parade began.
Captain Longhorn
Captain Longhorn was most popular during the 1600s. He was a happy but vile dishonorable man, not giving much care or thought to his desire to take what he wanted at any expense. He chose the brigantine over the galleon, allowing more speed and the ability to move quickly.
Captain Longhorn received his title because his sword had what was considered a very long guard, which protected his hand in a duel. He was a fine swordsman, winning almost every duel he had. After receiving the title of Captain Longhorn, his ship, the Maverick, was a prize from one of his early attacks. The ship was a naval ship, thus giving him cannons. He later used these cannons and the large crew he had acquired to attack and overpower many merchant vessels. Captain Longhorn then would distribute a small portion of the contraband to his crew and take them west into New York. There he was a constant supplier to Buccaneer Molly.
Buccaneer Molly
Buccaneer Molly was a very treacherous woman. She lived on the New York coastline, managing her own merchant store, the Sea Rover's Stash. She sold just about anything, as she would buy the plunder from the pirates. Molly was a tough woman who knew the life of a pirate. She had served on the Maverick with Captian Longhorn, so one can imagine she got preferential treatment both selling and buying merchandise. Molly became a land dweller as a result of taking a bad shot to her left leg, disfiguring her left leg and causing poor mobility. However, that did not stop her from being a well respected, or should one say, feared person. Everyone knew not to double cross Molly or there would be consequences.