The tradition of Thanksgiving was first celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. The “First Thanksgiving” was held in honor of having a successful first harvest in the New World. The celebration lasted three days and was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims, according to Edward Winslow, a senior leader on the Mayflower and at the Plymouth Colony.
As time has progressed, Thanksgiving has changed and turned into new traditions—current traditions span from traveling across the country to see relatives, going around the dinner table having each family member say what they’re thankful for, and even volunteer work for those who might not be fortunate enough to get to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Darien Ingram is a North Augusta High School student who participates in the latter. When asked about his family’s Thanksgiving traditions, he responded, “Every Thanksgiving, me and my family go to a non-profit organization in downtown Aiken called ACTS in Aiken. Year-round, they dedicate their services to helping the community with anyone who would like to volunteer. Every year, on Thanksgiving, ACTS of Aiken have an event called “One Table.” They set up long tables going straight down the center of the Alley in Aiken and they invite anyone and everyone to join a complimentary Thanksgiving Feast. The event is mainly focused on those who may not have anyone to celebrate Thanksgiving with and the less fortunate in the community. My job [there] is usually to go down the food line, fill up plates and serve them to the people at the table. There is usually a couple hundred people, so the flow of the line never stops.”
Tradition, with customs, changes. With the way that 2020 has turned out, most can attest to having to adapt with drastic changes in day-to-day life. The change in societal norms may prevent some Thanksgiving traditions from being completed. Hopefully, however, even with an eventful year, the North Augusta community will continue to celebrate traditions like these. Happy Thanksgiving from The Buzz!
Photo Credit: Emma Carter
Pictured: Thanksgiving dinner table
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