The story of how Thanksgiving originated as a celebration after
the Pilgrims survived a tough winter with the help of the local Native
American tribe.  However, I recently learned of a slightly different
story that I'd like to share.

    This new story was recorded by the Pilgrim governor in 1623,
William Bradford, in his book Of Plymouth Plantation.  In this
journal, Governor Bradford describes how the original Pilgrim
settlement was designed to be a communal project with the land being
owned by the community and all harvested goods shared equally. 
However, apparently, the men didn't feel motivated to work and share
with the group.  As a result the harvests were poor, and by 1623 the
situation was becoming dire.  Knowing that something had to be done,
the colonists held a meeting and convinced the governor that, while
the land must remain the common holding of the community, each family
should have a parcel of it upon which to plant and grow crops that
they would be allowed to keep.

    As the story goes, the governor agreed to this plan and the
Pilgrims threw themselves into working their individual allotments and
crops began to flourish.  Unfortunately, a summer drought threatened
their first harvest, and the Pilgrims gathered and held a "Day of
Humiliation" and prayer.  Shortly afterwards, the drought broke, the
rains came, and the crops were saved.  And on November 29th, 1623 the
Governor declared the very first Day of Thanksgiving to commemorate
their good fortune.

    One can be struck by the deeper elements of gratitude and
thanksgiving inherent in this story of the Pilgrim's Thanksgiving. 
Not only did the Pilgrims have reason to be grateful for a bountiful
harvest, but also for the ability to fully enjoy the fruits of their
own labors.  This attitude of gratitude, a sense of pride in work well
done, and the pleasure of enjoying what one produces for oneself are
all important aspects of what I would call "the American Dream."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Warmly
Sheila Damodaran
Singapore:  +65-94790526
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