A brief introduction to the origin of Thanksgiving, the meaning and significance of Thanksgiving.

Introduction: Speaking of Thanksgiving, we all know that it is a festival about gratitude. Listening to the name of the festival, we think it belongs to China. In fact, it started in the United States, and then it became popular all over the world, spread to China, and became one of the popular western festivals in China. So, how much do you know about the origin of Thanksgiving? What is the meaning and significance of Thanksgiving? Come with me to get to know it.

A brief introduction to the origin of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day originated from early immigrants in Plymouth, Massachusetts. These Puritans left the Church of England and went to Holland. Later, they decided to move to the desolate land on the other side of the Atlantic, hoping to live freely according to their own wishes.

Origin statement 1: It comes from the Bible

In Deuteronomy 16-17 of the Old Testament, it is recorded that the festival of tents in Israel: "After you collect it from the threshing floor and the winepress, you should hold the festival of tents for seven days. Rejoice in this festival, you and your children, your male and female servants, and the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows in your town. You should celebrate this festival for the Lord your God for seven days in the place chosen by the Lord, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and everything you set out to do, and make you full of joy. "

"Three times a year, on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tents, all your men should go to the place chosen by the Lord and worship the Lord your God; But don't appear before the Lord empty-handed. Everyone should give gifts according to what the Lord your God has given you and according to his own financial resources. "

According to biblical legend, when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, Messimon was called by the Lord to lead 6, people out of Egypt, and God's power led them across the Red Sea like a dry land, avoiding the pursuers. However, because they only look at the environment and forget God in the face of difficulties, the journey that could have been completed in more than ten days has gone for forty years. But God kept them for forty years, and their clothes and shoes were not worn out, and they also provided food. During this period, they walked during the day, lived in sheds at night, and finally entered the land of Canaan. A good harvest was obtained in the first autumn after sowing. In order to thank God for saving them from the land of slavery, and to thank God for living and working in peace and contentment, the Israelites have kept the festival of tabernacles to express their gratitude until now.

Story 2: The Legend of may flower

In 162, 12 British people boarded the may flower, and after 65 days of arduous voyage, they came to the American continent and experienced a harsh winter. In the spring, only 53 people were left. With the help of Indians, they planted seeds in spring and harvested in autumn, and then celebrated the hard-won harvest together, thanking God for keeping their lives alive. Later, people passed on the tradition of Thanksgiving to commemorate this history.

The meaning and significance of Thanksgiving

The main significance of Thanksgiving is to tell us the beauty of human nature, and we can show gratitude in everything. Greeting your parents, friends and helping people in need are all expressions of gratitude. Let's learn to be grateful, cherish, understand and tolerate, and most importantly, love. That's what life really gives us.

Although Thanksgiving Day in the West has its religious connotation, it can absorb its positive elements, blend into traditional virtues and give it a new meaning, so as to establish a "Thanksgiving Day" with China characteristics. Draw lessons from western festivals, set up China Thanksgiving Day, let children learn empathy and understand their parents; Let adults understand each other and have a more harmonious interpersonal relationship. Although Thanksgiving Day in the West has its religious connotation, it can absorb its positive elements, blend into traditional virtues, and give it a new meaning, so as to establish a "Thanksgiving Day" with China characteristics.

The origin of Thanksgiving goes back to the beginning of American history. In 162, the famous "Mayflower" arrived in America with 12 Puritans who could not bear the religious persecution in Britain. In the winter at the turn of 162 and 1621, they encountered unimaginable difficulties and were in hunger and cold. When the winter passed, only 5 immigrants survived. At this time, the kind-hearted Indians brought the immigrants necessities of life, and specially sent people to teach them how to hunt, fish and grow corn and pumpkins.

White immigrants and Indians have established close friendship. In November of this year, there was a bumper harvest of corn, and the immigrants held a rich thanksgiving party and entertained the Indians with roast turkey and corn cakes. Indians brought all kinds of corn products, roast turkey, pumpkin pie, wild grapes and corn syrup to the party, and people sang and danced. In the future, at the end of November after corn harvest every year, white immigrants who have settled here will hold gratitude meetings, roast turkeys, cook corn food and entertain Indians.

On the first Thanksgiving Day, Indians and immigrants gathered together. They fired a salute at dawn, marched into a room used as a church, expressed their sincere gratitude to God, and then lit a bonfire for a grand banquet. On the second and third days, wrestling, running, singing, dancing and other activities were held. The first Thanksgiving was a great success. Many of these celebrations have been circulated for more than 3 years and have been preserved to this day.

At first, there was no fixed date for Thanksgiving Day, which was decided temporarily by the states. It was not until 1863, after the independence of the United States, that President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.