Thanksgiving marks the beginning of a very special time of year. The traditions and customs that help us to celebrate these days with family and friends create memories that last a lifetime. From the food on the table, to the places we gather, to the football games we watch, celebrating Thanksgiving is highly anticipated all year round. Central Square Florist is proud to be a part of so many Cambridge area traditions, providing the gorgeous seasonal arrangements and Thanksgiving centerpieces that warm your home and invite your guests in.
Celebrating Thanksgiving almost always involves family and friends, and the general sentiment of gratitude for all of the good things in our lives. The spirit of the day hearkens all the way back to a famous dinner that took place in 1621 just down the road; when settlers to the New World shared a three-day feast with the local Wampanoag Indians. It is said that the first meal included venison from the Indian chief, lobster and clams, as well as waterfowl, berries, gourds and fruit.
The iconic Thanksgiving turkey was not apparently on the menu during that feast, but as the holiday was celebrated unofficially in the years following, it became the bird of choice. In fact , in the late 1700’s, Alexander Hamilton declared that “No citizen should be without a turkey on Thanksgiving Day”. It was not until 1863, however, that the festive celebration, already observed throughout the country, was declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln.
The Presidential Pardon
It was President John F. Kennedy who first pardoned a turkey on Thanksgiving.
Further Thanksgiving traditions include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which originated in 1924, and Thanksgiving Day football, which began with the Detroit Lions in 1934. Local families report that other New England traditions include walks through the woods and backyard touch football rivalries. Regardless of how you and your loved ones celebrate Thanksgiving, gathering together is the most special element of the day. When you and your family and friends meet at the holiday table, flowers from Central Square Florist provide the perfect ambiance. Stop by today to order early, or give our designers a call to discuss your custom floral needs.
