The History of Thanksgiving

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Join Amy & Cece for a special extra episode on the history of Thanksgiving in the United States!  

In this special episode of “Check this out!”, hosts Cece and Amy dive into the true history behind Thanksgiving, exploring its origins and significance beyond the common myths. With Thanksgiving approaching in the United States, they start by discussing the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, shedding light on the complexities and challenges surrounding the celebration.

Cece and Amy address popular misconceptions about Thanksgiving, including the myth of a friendly encounter between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, emphasizing that Native Americans had been living on the land for thousands of years and were impacted by European arrivals long before the Pilgrims came. They highlight the pivotal role of Squanto and the Wampanoags in helping the Pilgrims survive their first year in America and detail how the initial alliance between the two groups evolved into long-term conflict.

The episode also covers how Thanksgiving transitioned into a national holiday, tracing its journey from local festivals to Abraham Lincoln's proclamation of a national day of thanks in 1863. Throughout the discussion, Cece and Amy encourage listeners to understand and honor the real stories behind the holiday, including the impact on Indigenous communities.

The episode concludes by inviting families to reflect on their own Thanksgiving traditions while keeping the rich history in mind. Listeners are encouraged to learn more about Indigenous tribes and their heritage. 

Join Cece and Amy for this insightful exploration of Thanksgiving, filled with important lessons about history, community, and gratitude. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of “Check this out!”

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