WBGS MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Date: Saturday April 16, 2011

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Westwego Library, 635 4th Street, Westwego, LA

Notes: We will have Albert Robichaux for our guest this month. He will conduct a Q&A session for us. He will not give a presentation, but will be there for some brainpicking concerning the German-Acadian Coast and Louisiana Sicilians. Come prepared with your questions!

Thanks to Judy Mills for convincing him!

Please notice the change of venue. Once again we had to change plans due to library rescheduling. We will be at the WESTWEGO library.

MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face

and the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hands."

Traditional Gaelic Blessing

Happy St. Patrick's Day


May those who love us, love us;

And those that don't love us,

May God turn their hearts,

And if He doesn't turn their hearts,

...May he turn their ankles

So we'll know them by their limping.

--Old Irish Hex--

ST. PATRICK'S DAY -- IRISH IN LOUISIANA

By Terri Wuerthner, About.com Contributing Writer
.
Irish immigrants, attempting to flee British persecution, began appearing in New Orleans at the end of the 1700s. Even larger numbers of Irish started arriving in the 1820s when the famine drove them out of Ireland. The passage from Liverpool to New Orleans was cheap, so many Irish immigrants looking for a better life ended up in the Crescent City, though living conditions were less than ideal once they arrived.

The Irish left their stamp on New Orleans. There is even an area called the "Irish Channel," which is uptown, near the Garden District. This is the center of many St Patrick's Day festivities (see [Link] St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Cajun and Creole Louisiana [Link]).

TO BE CONTINUED....

The Cajuns—Acadia to the Bayous

GRAND-RÉVEIL ACADIEN

LOUISIANA-ACADIE, INC. PRESENTS


GRAND-RÉVEIL ACADIEN / THE GREAT ACADIAN AWAKENING


Lafayette, LA. Louisiana-Acadie calls on all Acadians to attend Grand-Réveil Acadien/ Great Acadian Awakening (GRA). Grand-Réveil Acadien will be held October 7 through 16, 2011 in four Acadiana regions. Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans will hostforums, events and celebrations that will close with a spectacular renewal of pride at Festivals Acadien et Creole in Girard Park, Lafayette, LA.


The GRA event has been organized to revitalize Louisianans of Acadian descent and in particular our youth, to the realization that Acadians are losing their French language, culture and coastal lands. GRA is a means of seeking support, partnerships, solutions and concerted plans of action to revitalize all aspects of our culture, including the environment that nurtures and forms a large part of our existence.


The mission of Louisiana-Acadie, Inc., Grand Réveil organizer, is to mobilize all Acadians to participate in the continued expression of their native French language and culture.


After engaging a group of young adult Cajuns (Les Juennesse Acadien) to prepare and participate in promoting the Cajuns of Louisiana for the World Congress of Acadians in 2009, an awakening of their heritage was visibly evident. "The spirited Acadians of the Acadian Peninsula of New Brunswick and the Canadian Juenesse Acadien program was part of what sparked a renaissance and awakening of our younger generation's pride and interest in upholding their Acadian ancestor's native Frenchlanguage and culture." stated Ray Trahan, Louisiana-Acadie President.


Trahan went on to say, "In order to maintain the rich Cajun heritage, it is now time to take advantage of this renewal."


"It is time to capitalize on the older Cajun generation's knowledge.


"The importance of keeping this momentum cannot be lost. We ask that those of Acadian descent join us, in Louisiana, to continue the fight to keep this culture alive.

"Vive Acadie!"

AN ELEGANT CAJUN VALENTINE

This delicious meal is designed to be made ahead of time. Everything may be prepared early in the day, and baked or assembled at dinner time. The meal is designed for 2 people, but the recipes can easily be doubled or tripled for 4 or 6 if you have guests.

Menu

Shrimp & Roasted Red Potato Salad
*******************************
Three-Pepper Lamb Chops
Bacon Mashed Potatoes
Buttery Minted Peas
********************************
Angel Food Cake with Warm Raspberry Chocolate Sauce

An Elegant Cajun Valentine
A Loving Menu
By Terri Wuerthner, About.com Contributing Writer

http://southernfood.about.com/od/valentinesday/a/cajun-valentines-day-menu.htm?r=un2

CAJUN NEW YEAR'S EVE CUSTOMS

In the countryside throughout the south, the New
Year has traditionally been rung in by the sound of shotguns and firecrackers at
midnight on New Year's Eve. Some Cajuns remember that Tit Homme Janvier
(some call him Bonhomme Janvier), a snowy-bearded bearer of good tiding,
would pass and leave fruit and nuts in the children's shoes and stockings. For
many families New Year's was the time for trinket exchange, not
Christmas.

An interesting French tradition is the running
of La Guignolee (Gaie Annee). This is a long standing New Year's Eve
custom in French communities of the mid-Mississippi Valley such as Old Mines
(Les Vielles Mones), Missouri, and Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. Of note
because it is closely related to the Cajun courir de Mardi Gras the
intent of La Guignolee is to gather pledges of food and money for a
king's ball held between Twelfth Night and Mardi Gras. On New Year's Eve, the
men dress in disguise as Indians or in old clothes turned inside out. The gang
of revelers travels afoot from house to house in the countryside with lanterns
as their only light. Today, trucks provide the transportation. In the quiet of
the night, they sneak up on the porch of each house and sing La Guignolee
accompanied by a fiddle.

"Bon soir le maitre et maitresse et tous le
monde du logis. Pour le dernier jour de l'annee, c'est la Guignolee vous nous
devais. Si vous voulais rien a nos donnais, ditez nous le. On vous demandez
seulement, la fille ainee..."

The song begs entry to the house, a 96-foot long
sausage, and a dance with the eldest daughter, then apologizes to the
inhabitants for any mischief caused and asks for an invitation next
year.

For South Louisiana Cajuns, New Year's day used
to be a time for visiting from house to house to wish bonne annee. A
traditional French Creole song sung by Canray Fontenot wishes:

Bonjour bonne annee, belle heureuse
annee.
Heureuse annee que je souaite a tous.
Bonjour bonne annee,
madam.

In a recollection from the Anonymous Breaux
Manuscript (1901), the author observes "people who have long been enemies
seizing the opportunity which the day presents to be reconciled and to wish
other good fortune and prosperity. A young man who wishes to marry often asks
his sweetheart's parents for permission to marry."

A traditional New Year's dish, black-eyed peas
and cabbage, symbolizes the promise of good luck and money in the coming year.
It is still prepared and eaten diligently by many every year.

Today, recently created community festivals have
become the calendrical markers of cultural identity. They have taken the place
of many deeply rooted rituals which once served to reinforce the concepts of
community and family.

The Acadian Memorial in St. Martinsville

"A people without a past are a people without a future."

BONFIRES LIGHT THE WAY FOR PAPA NOEL

(ACADIAN) Lighting of the way for Papa Noel this evening.
 On the First Acadian Coast, St-James (civil) Parish, tonight there will be the lighting of very fancy bonfires on the levees to show Santa the way down the river.
The other story is to provide a guide for the families to find their way to midnight mass.The other name you may know is St-Jacques de Cabannoce. The church was named for my 6th great grandfather Jacques Cantrelle patron saint. His two son-in-laws were the first Commandants (like in Zorro) during the transfer period from France to Spain.There should be several news shorts on the building & lighting of the bonfires on the New Orleans & Baton Rouge TV stations.Some are Baton Rouge
                                                                            www.wafb.com/-CBS
                                                                            www.wbrz.com/ -ABC
                                                                            www.nbc33tv.com/- NBC
NewOrleans                                                                         www.abc26.com/
                                                                    www.wdsu.com - NBC
www.wwltv.com/- CBS
                                                                            www.fox8live.com - Fox?
The national stations news may also pick up the storiesPaul L LeBlanc<pleblan@aim.com>

BECOME A NEW ORLEANS TOUR GUIDE

"If you or someone you know has a passion for culture, history and architecture and would like to become a licensed tour guide for the City of New Orleans, please consider taking the Friends of the Cabildo's Walking Tour Guide Training Program. The classes are under the expert direction of Friends of the Cabildo Board Member, Mrs. Jane Molony, and a staff of volunteer FOC tour guides. The program provides intensive and comprehensive training for tour guides.

The program provides an thorough overview of the history of Louisiana.

Subjects covered in the course lectures:

First Families of Louisiana

(Native Americans)

French Colonial Period

Spanish Colonial Period

Becoming American

The American Period

Free People of Color

Jazz

Port of New Orleans

Architecture

Civil War In New Orleans

Louisiana State Museum Historical Center

Those who complete the program are encouraged to make a commitment to the FOC to serve as a volunteer guide for a period of two years. Guides are generally on the schedule one or two times per month during this period.
The walking tour class is offered one time per year at the Cabildo. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon an interview process following application.

The upcoming course runs from January 31, 2011 to February 25, 2011, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00am-3:30pm. The cost is $175, which includes both classroom and in-field training with experienced guides.

Time is of the essence, so please contact me if you are interested in this exceptional program!"

Sincerely,
Rebecca Duckert
Assistant Director
Friends of the Cabildo
701 Chartres Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: 504-523-3939
Fax: 504-524-9130
rebecca@friendsofthecabildo.org

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Isaiah 35: 1 – 10


1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus


2 it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.


The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.


3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”


5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy.


For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.


8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not pass over it, and fools shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.


10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.


Advent Wreath by Jeff Miller  http://http://splendoroftruth.com

MADOCKAWANDO

Came across this article today, there are some of us who have St Castin in our lines and the indian chief Madockawando, I found this interesting.

Madockawando is remembered as "a great chief of the Penobscots". His village was at Pentegoet (modern day Castine, Maine) and his daughter, Pidianiski, baptized Molly Mathilde, married Baron de St. Castin (1652-1707).


Among the nomadic Wabanacki - the tribes of the Maritimes, Maine and the rest of northern New England - Shamanism was commonly attributed to the greater chiefs to whom supernatural power would give authority in the absense of a strong social organization


Madockawando as chief and Shaman was a soothsayer, clairvoyant, necromancer, exorcist and was in a position to act as a middleman between his people and the powers that meddle with life. He is a "wonder-worker", whose magic was derived from the spiritual and animal world. Indeed, the very ending of his name means mysterious, magical, powerful, miraculous, enabling things to be done supernaturally. He could lead them to game; he could drive out the devils of disease and circumvent the magic of enemies. Ordinary men could fight, but only the man with magic could content with the unseen powers and work out destiny.


Among his descendants was Lt. Governor John Neptune (1767-1865) who inherited the Shamanistic power of Madockawando. As with his forbear, he was regarded as a peculiarly gifted "Medeoulinwak" (magician) "who could make his voice heard 100 miles away, who could walk in hard ground sinking up to his knees at every step, who could find green corn in winter and tobacco in the forest where there was none and who had fought and overcome that slimy, devouring monster, the dreadful Wiwiliamecq.*"


From
"Old John Neptune and Other Maine Indian Shamans"
by Fannie Hardy Eckstrom (1938)

Thanks to Aline Cormier for this information.

WBGS THANKSGIVING!

Title: Thanksgiving Day

Date: Thursday November 25, 2010

Time: All Day

Notes: Let's remember the meaning of Thanksgiving and be grateful.
(It does NOT mean football.)

FATHER WE THANK THEE

For flowers that bloom about our feet
Father, we thank Thee.

For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,

Father, we thank Thee.

For the song of bird and hum of bee,

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For blue of stream and blue of sky,

Father, we thank Thee.

For pleasant shade of branches high,

Father, we thank Thee.

For fragrant air and cooling breeze,

For beauty of the blooming trees,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

For this new morning with its light,

Father, we thank Thee.

For rest and shelter of the night,

Father, we thank Thee

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee.

"This three-stanza, 21-line poem has long been attributed to Emerson, but is definitely not by him. No author has been discoverd."

The Ralph Waldo Emerson Society


Photo of Holy Faith Catholic Church, Gainesville, FL

CAJUN AND CREOLE CULTURE

Hi, Y'all,

I am the contributing writer for the Cajun and Creole section at the website about.com.

Do you want to know where in Louisiana the locals eat, play, and shop and how you can cook and party in your own home as they do, with authentic Cajun and Creole recipes?

Would you like to stay in an antebellum home on Bayou Teche, or in a haunted mansion that sometimes drives even skeptics away in the middle of the night?

These are the type of topics I cover and the more clicks I get on my articles the more successful my site will be, so by clicking on the links(even if you don't have time to read the entire article) you help insure the continuation of my Cajun/Creole site and, thus, my contribution to the continuation of Cajun and Creole culture and history.

This week:

LAST MINUTE COOKING IS FOR THE BIRDS: A MAKE-AHEAD THANKSGIVING DINNER:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/thanksgivingfood/a/make-ahead-thanksgiving-dinner.htm

REDUCING THE FAT--NOT THE FLAVOR: A LIGHTENED-UP THANKSGIVING DINNER:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/thanksgivingfood/a/light-thanksgiving-dinner.htm

Thanks!

Terri Pischoff Wuerthner

Contributing Writer: about.com

Author: IN A CAJUN KITCHEN

Image:  Orange Gelatin Snow

GREAT ACADIEN AWAKENING

The Great Acadien Awakening’s mission is to awaken the population of Louisiana, primarily those of Acadien descent and the youth, to the realization that our language, culture and coastal lands are being threatened. We intend to seek support, partnerships, solutions, and concerted plans of action through large gatherings with Acadians and their friends from all over the world.

“Come explore and celebrate OUR Acadian culture” PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE

October 7, 2011 - Open Ceremony and Unveiling of Acadian Monument in New Orleans, Louisiana. (To be confirmed)

October 8, 2011 - Discover New Orleans.

October 9, 2011 - Opening Ceremony and Conference about Protection of the Environment in Houma, Louisiana.

October 10, 2011 - Discover Houma and the Bayou Region.

October 11, 2011 - Ceremony and Conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

October 12, 2011 - Discover Lake Charles and its surrounding areas.

October 13, 2011 - Ceremony and Conference in Lafayette, Louisiana.

October 14, 2011 - Discover Lafayette and its surrounding areas with the Grand Rallaye d’Automobile/Opening concert of Festivals Acadiens et Créoles/Opening of the Camp des Cadiens.

October 15, 2011 - Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Girard Park, Lafayette, LA (www.festivalsacadiens.com)/Workshop about New Technologies and Acadian Heritage/Fête des Cadiens (at the Camp des Cadiens).

October 16, 2011 - French Mass, Acadian Processional (Mardi Gras, Tintamarre, Mi-Carême, Guillonnée)/ Festivals Acadiens et Créoles/Closing Ceremony.

The event will focus on showcasing the regional culture and developing closer ties between all Acadians throughout the world by hosting: * Seminars * Lectures * Family Reunions * Concerts * Many Other Cultural Activities *

A large place will be reserved for our friends from L'Acadie des Terres et Forêts who will be invited to promote the Congrès Mondial Acadien 2014

Thank you to our partners: Société Nationale de l’Acadie and all its member organizations, Zachary Richard and Action Cadienne, CODOFIL, Festival Acadien de Clare, Madawaska Acadian Festival, Festival en chanson de Petite Vallée, France-Louisiane-Frano-Américanie, Les Amitiés Acadiennes, Louisiane-Bretagne-Acadie, Les Cousins Acadiens du Poitou, Canadian and Lousiana twinned cities

For More Information Contact:

Ray Trahan, President of Louisiane – Acadie, Inc.

Phone: (337) 288-2681

Email: ray@louisiane-acadie.com

Brenda Trahan, Director of GRA2011

Email: brenda@louisiane-acadie.com

Valerie Broussard, Director of Youth Programming for GRA2011

Email: whiskey6@lusfiber.net or

valerie@louisiane-acadie.com

http://www.louisiane-acadie.com/

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

ALL SOULS DAY CAJUN HISTORY

http://www.acadian-home.org/deportation-cross.html

“The Clocheteur des Trépassés” or Bellman of the Dead


Formerly, at night on the eve of All Souls’ Day (November 2), the church bells were wildly pealed, and people ran about the streets of the village ringing hand bells and saying in a loud and serious voice these words:

Réveillez, réveillez,
Entre vous gens qui dormez,
Pensez a l’éternité!
Priez Dieu pour les fideles trépassés.
Requiescat in pace.

Awake! Awake!
Those among you who sleep;
Think of eternity!
Pray God for the faithful dead.

Rest in peace!

http://www.acadian-cajun.com/choliday.htm
History of the Cajuns: Encyclopedia of Cajun Life - Holidays
Tim Hebert

CAJUN VS CREOLE CUSTOMS

"The intriguing history of Louisiana's denizens often leads to a discussion of the distinctions between Cajun and Creole customs. Though there is often a great deal of heated debate surrounding the similarities and dissimilarities of these two unique Louisiana cultures, the following article will attempt to offer steps to help you make clear distinctions between the two.

"Realize the historical differences between Cajuns and Creoles in order to distinguish between their customs. Cajuns come from low-country, rural stock living on the bayous of Louisiana. They are renowned for being private, clannish and fiercely religious. Creoles, on the other hand, have urban origins. They are of European stock and settled primarily in New Orleans. The Creoles created the French Quarter and still hold on to their European roots.

"Take into account the differences in food. Cajun food, having its roots in the rural southern Louisiana bayou country, is largely based on stews, gumbos, okras and rice dishes, whereas, Creole food is more European, with its roots coming largely from the more urbane French Quarter. Some popular Creole dishes incorporate seafood with etoufee and jambalaya.

Know the differences in the music. Though there are a number of similarities between Cajun and Creole music, it can be broken down thus: Cajun music is more blues-based and jazz-oriented, while Creole music has a more West African, Caribbean feel to it.

"Be aware that the city of New Orleans is a perfect portrait of the way that Cajun and Creole customs are different. For most Creoles, the French Quarter was and is the only culture. It has an air of old-world European charm in the architecture and mood of it. Canal Street divides the quarter from the rest of New Orleans, and it has been said that Creoles believe anything on the other side of Canal Street is not worth seeing. Cajuns, on the other hand, like their rural roots, so they are closer to the river and on the other side of Canal.

"Understand that nowadays most people do not distinguish much between the two cultures. Down in Louisiana, the cooking and the customs of both the Creoles and Cajuns are pretty hard to tell apart. Only by taking a close look at the historical roots of the two cultures can you see the now subtle differences."

Read more: How to Distinguish Between Cajun and Creole Customs
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2073886_distinguish-between-cajun-creole-customs.html#ixzz13DA14hh9

THE ROST HOME COLONY

Title: Gen. Research Soc. of N.O.

Date: Monday October 18, 2010

Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Location: Whitney Bank, 1441 Metairie Rd., Metairie, LA

Notes: Jackie Milan will be the speaker. Jackie is a new member. She
volunteers at the Archdiocese Archives.

The topic for the meeting by Jacqueline Milan is "The Rost Home Colony." The colony was one of only 4 experimental colonies all located in Louisiana to assist freed slaves move from plantation life into the general population.

This experiment was part of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands Act. The colonies existed for 18 months during the Civil War. Rost was located on the site of present day Destrehan Plantation. The Destrehan Plantation is also where the enslaved persons were tried who participated in the 1811 Slave Revolt.

WBGS MEETING

Date: Saturday October 16, 2010

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Next reminder: The next reminder for this event will be sent in 5 days, 4 minutes.

Location: Westwego Library, 635 4th Street, Westwego, LA

Notes: Our annual "Order of the Good Times" Bring a dish that your ancestor would have brought as the host of the Good Times along with a tale as to how he/she obtained it.

If you do not wish to participate, come for the fun and eats.

THANKSGIVING DAY IN CANADA

Thanksgiving Day in Canada has been a holiday on the second Monday of October since 1957. It is a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.

What do people do?
Many people have a day off work on the second Monday of October. They often use the three-day Thanksgiving weekend to visit family or friends who live far away, or to receive them in their own homes. Many people also prepare a special meal to eat at some point during the long weekend. Traditionally, this included roast turkey and seasonal produce, such as pumpkin, corn ears and pecan nuts. Now, the meal may consist of other foods, particularly if the family is of non-European descent.

The Thanksgiving weekend is also a popular time to take a short autumn vacation. This may be the last chance in a while for some people to use cottages or holiday homes before winter sets in. Other popular activities include: outdoor breaks to admire the spectacular colors of the Canadian autumn; hiking; and fishing. Fans of the teams in the Canadian Football League may spend part of the weekend watching the Thanksgiving Day Classic matches.

Public life

Thanksgiving Day is national public holiday in Canada. Many people have the day off work and all schools and post offices are closed. Many stores and other businesses and organizations are also closed. Public transport services may run to a reduced timetable or may not run at all.

Whilst Thanksgiving Day is holiday at a national level, it is not considered among the list of paid public holidays in New Brunswick under New Brunswick's Employment Standards Act.

Background

The native peoples of the Americas held ceremonies and festivals to celebrate the completion and bounty of the harvest long before European explorers and settlers arrived in what is now Canada. Early European thanksgivings were held to give thanks for some special fortune. An early example is the ceremony the explorer Martin Frobisher held in 1578 after he had survived the long journey in his quest to find a northern passage from Europe to Asia.

Many thanksgivings were held following noteworthy events during the 18th century. Refugees fleeing the civil war in the United States brought the custom of an annual thanksgiving festival to Canada. From 1879, Thanksgiving Day was held every year but the date varied and there was a special theme each year. The theme was the "Blessings of an abundant harvest" for many years. However, Queen Victoria's golden and diamond jubilees and King Edward VII's coronation formed the theme in later years.

From the end of the First World War until 1930, both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving Day were celebrated on the Monday closest to November 11, the anniversary of the official end of hostilities in World War I. In 1931, Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving Day was moved to a Monday in October. Since 1957, Thanksgiving Day has always been held on the second Monday in October.

Symbols

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is linked to the European tradition of harvest festivals. A common image seen at this time of year is a cornucopia, or horn, filled with seasonal fruit and vegetables. This represents the "Horn of Plenty", which was a symbol of bounty and plenty in ancient Greece. Turkeys, pumpkins, ears of corn and large displays of food are also used to symbolize Thanksgiving Day.