Thanksgiving: origin, meaning of colors and flowers

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, invited the Wampanoag people to join them for a feast. This gathering is often remembered as the "First Thanksgiving," though it wasn’t the same as modern-day celebrations. It was more of a harvest feast than the elaborate dinner that we associate with the holiday today. The food shared included wild fowl, corn, beans, squash, and fish—foods native to the region.

The colors associated with Thanksgiving are deeply tied to the themes of harvest, autumn, and gratitude, reflecting the season’s natural beauty and the historical roots of the holiday. Here's why the colors that typically represent Thanksgiving are what they are:

1. Autumnal Hues: Orange, Red, Yellow, and Brown

The rich and warm tones of the season, such as orange, red, yellow, and brown, evoke feelings of abundance, warmth, and the earth’s bounty. These colors are reminiscent of:

• Pumpkins (orange), which are a key symbol of the harvest and a popular part of Thanksgiving meals, especially in pumpkin pie.

• Leaves that turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and brown as the weather cools, signaling the arrival of fall.

• Cranberries, which are a staple in Thanksgiving dishes and are often deep red in color.

These earthy colors are symbolic of the harvest and the connection to the land, representing the wealth and nourishment the earth provides during this time of year.

2. Gold and Deep Yellow

The color gold or deep yellow symbolizes the abundance of the harvest. Golden hues also bring to mind the warm glow of candlelight, which many people use to set the mood for their Thanksgiving feasts, creating a sense of comfort.

3. Green

While green is more commonly associated with spring, during Thanksgiving, it’s used in more muted shades, like olive green or sage. These colors are representative of the greenery and vegetables harvested during the autumn months, like green beans, spinach, and squash. They also help bring balance and contrast to the warm, earthy tones of orange, red, and yellow.

4. White

White is often used for a touch of contrast and elegance in Thanksgiving décor. It can symbolize purity and simplicity, often seen in table settings, napkins, and ceramic dishes. Additionally, white can evoke feelings of peacefulness, which ties into the gratitude and reflection that the holiday encourages.

5. Deep Burgundy and Maroon

Burgundy and maroon colors reflect the abundance and richness of the season. These darker reds are often seen in Thanksgiving décor and in many foods, such as wine, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They also evoke the feeling of warmth and comfort, making them perfect for a holiday centered on family and feasting.

6. Brown

Brown is strongly associated with Thanksgiving, as it reflects the earth, wood, and harvested grains. It's a grounding color, evoking the richness of the soil from which our food grows. Brown is also commonly seen in turkey (roasted to a crispy golden-brown), stuffing, and bread, as well as in wooden tables and decorative accents like pinecones.

7. Why These Colors Matter

The colors of Thanksgiving aren't just decorative; they’re symbolic of the cycle of life, gratitude, and community:

• They reflect the abundance of the harvest that the Pilgrims and Native Americans would have celebrated during the first Thanksgiving.

• The earth tones evoke feelings of being connected to the land, to nature, and to the passing of seasons, which are all central to the holiday's message of giving thanks for what we have.

• The warm hues—like the glow of a fire—represent the warmth of the home, family, and togetherness during a time of year when the weather grows colder.

FALL FLOWERS

Autumn in the USA brings a beautiful array of flowers. Here are some common flowers that bloom in the fall

Hydrangea, rose, daisy, mum, amaranthus, dahlia, celosia, sunflower, aster, goldenrod, and marigold

HOW TO CHOOSE THE FLOWERS

-       Development stage

-       Firm, smooth petals without spots

-       Green leaves

-       Firm, clear stem

-       Choose those with similar longevity

CARE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR ARRANGEMENT LAST LONGER

Follow the 3Cs rule to make your arrangement last longer

Care: Flowers are not nuts! Handle them with care

Cleanliness: cleaned and sanitized containers

Cooling: The best temperature is between 53F-55F, exception for tropical flowers