The origin of Thanksgiving Day has been attributed to a thanksgiving
festival held by the Plymouth Colony, although such celebrations date
from ancient times. In 1621, Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth
Colony proclaimed a day of "thanksgiving" and prayer to celebrate the
Pilgrims' first harvest in America. The idea of a day set apart to
celebrate the completion of the harvest and to render homage to the
Spirit who caused the fruits and crops to grow is ancient and
universal. The practice of designating a day of thanksgiving for
specific spiritual or secular benefits has been followed in many
countries.