Thanksgiving continued

In 1863, there were two Thanksgivings. By Presidential proclamation, President   Abraham Lincoln designated August the 6th as the first Thanksgiving, and the last Thursday in November as the second. The latter was the same as Washington's first proclamation. From 1815 to 1863, the southern states did not celebrate Thanksgiving Day. They objected to presidentially proclaimed days of Thanksgiving on grounds that it represented Puritan bigotry. After Lincoln's death, President Andrew Johnson changed Thanksgiving Day to the firs day in December, returning it to only once per year. The following year, he changed it to the last Thursday in November, where it has remained for the last hundred and thirty-nine years.

For the Muskogee (Creek) Indians, Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. It is a time of spiritual renewal, purification, and thanks-giving. Held during the first harvest of the year, and always after the first full moon, it usually falls in June or August. Muskogee Thanksgiving is called "Busketah" commonly known today as the Green Corn      Ceremony or "Busk".

In the 1800's, Busketah was also a day of amnesty for all crimes except murder. This was the official time of reconciliation, a time to settle disputes in the Nation. The      celebration lasted eight days. Today it lasts one to three days depending on the location of the Tribes. Modern day Muskogee Indians celebrate two days of Thanksgiving. The first is the time of Busketah and the second being the last Thursday in November. To Muskogee Indians, Thanksgiving is a time to restore one's spirituality. It is also a time to restore oneself to family and nation

Next time Thanksgiving is here think about where  and how it started. If you have been blessed by the Maker of Breath share it with someone else.

This year it is our hope that your will take the time to purify and renew your spirit. That you will go after your dreams and never give up on them. 

It is our Prayer that you will be blessed with true love and      happiness and peace of mind that only the Great Spirit can give.

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