Thanksgiving — A Day of Mourning for Some
Read about the Great Battle by King Philip
This was a conversation between me and Advanced Google Gemini on the origin and history of Thanksgiving.
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Conversation with Gemini
What's the origin of Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving has a complex and layered history, with its origins often intertwined with myth and historical realities. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
The 1621 Harvest Feast: The most popularized origin story focuses on a shared harvest feast in 1621 between the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. This event is often portrayed as a peaceful and cooperative gathering, but the historical context is more nuanced.
Days of Thanksgiving: Before the 1621 feast, colonists in New England and Canada practiced "days of thanksgiving," which were dedicated to prayer and gratitude for blessings like safe journeys, military victories, or bountiful harvests.
Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation: In the midst of the Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. This aimed to foster unity between the North and South and improve relationships with tribal nations.
The National Day of Mourning: For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a reminder…
