Learning Chinese - Giving thanks for all blessings

CITYLIFE / Odds & Ends






Giving thanks for all blessings

(smartshanghai/cityweekend)
Updated: 2006-11-21 10:02





Nov. 23 is Thanksgiving Day this year. Let's step back and give thanks
for all the blessings we have.

The origin
Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in America and is
closely tied to American history. The origins of Thanksgiving can be
traced back to 1620 when over 100 English Puritans sailed across the
Atlantic Ocean and settled in the New World in pursuit of religious
freedom. But after they arrived they found themselves ill prepared to
deal with the new climate and almost half died from disease or
starvation. Luckily, the local Iroquois tribe helped them out and taught
them how to grow local plants. Finally they reaped a good harvest and the
colonists decided to celebrate with the local people as an expression of
thanks. In 1863 President Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of every
November to be Thanksgiving Day and it became a traditional holiday.

What to eat

Thanksgiving Day dinner is a big deal. Many people spend all day in the
kitchen preparing things such as plum pudding, mincemeat pie, cranberry
sauce, squash, pumpkin pie and of course, roast turkey. Roast turkey is
usually the centerpiece of the table, and has come to be a symbol that
represents Thanksgiving.

Where to eat

In China, Thanksgiving Day isn't an important holiday, but for those who
want to celebrate it or who like eating roast turkey, there are some good
places to enjoy it.


Beijing

Garden of Delights

There is a Thanksgiving Day dinner at Garden of Delights, where you can
get a Special Thanksgiving Set Menu at RMB275 per person. Diners can also
enjoy a free bottle of wine with an order of five Tapas throughout
November.

Garden of Delights
Date: Thursday evening, November 23
Address: No.53 Donganmen Avenue Dongcheng District, Beijing
Tel: 010-5138 5688

The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing

Celebrate this American tradition with the Sheraton's talk-of-the-town
buffet dinner, with authentic Thanksgiving Day fare. RMB235 per adult,
50% off for children aged 3-9 years old, subject to 15% service charge.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 23
Address: 10 Beilu, Dongsanhuan
Tel: 010- 6590-5566 ext 2117

Capital Mandarin School

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a group of friends from all over the world at
the Capital Mandarin School where you can not only enjoy the delicious
feast but also make friends and play games. There are fantastic gifts for
winners! Party begins at 6:30pm

Date: Fri, Nov. 24
Entrance fee: 25 Yuan for those who will bring homemade dishes and 55
Yuan for those who come empty-handed.
Tel: 010-65925672
For more information, contact: http://www.capitalmandarin.com

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