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Get ready to give thanks and celebrate Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving on September 24! This holiday has a rich history, dating back to the early years of German settlers in Pennsylvania. It is a special day for the Schwenkfelder community to gather together and express gratitude for their blessings. The celebration typically includes a traditional meal with dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Along with delicious food, there are also fun activities like games, music, and parades. Let's embrace this day with open arms and appreciate the spirit of thankfulness that it brings.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1734</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Schwenkfelders' Arrival in Pennsylvania</div><div class='timeline-text'>A devout religious group of German Protestants, the Schwenkfelders, fled religious persecution in Europe and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1734</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving</div><div class='timeline-text'>Grateful for the freedom they found in their new home, the Schwenkfelders marked their first Thanksgiving on September 24, 1734.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tradition Continues</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite various changes and progress in society, the Schwenkfelders continued to honor their heritage by celebrating Thanksgiving every September 24.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center was established, further upholding and preserving Schwenkfelder culture and traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite modern changes, Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated annually, bringing together communities in Pennsylvania and beyond.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The Schwenkfelder Church holds a special Thanksgiving service every year to celebrate their unique history and traditions. Attend this service to learn more about the Schwenkfelder community and their Thanksgiving celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare traditional Schwenkfelder dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research traditional Schwenkfelder recipes and try your hand at making some of their famous dishes, such as sauerkraut and apple butter. Share these dishes with friends and family to spread the holiday spirit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving dinner</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a Schwenkfelder-style Thanksgiving dinner. Decorate the table with traditional Schwenkfelder symbols, such as candles and wheat stalks, and serve a variety of delicious dishes to celebrate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Schwenkfelder historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to one of the many historical sites related to the Schwenkfelder community, such as the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Pennsylvania. Learn more about their history and traditions through interactive exhibits and tours.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a Schwenkfelder charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving by giving back to the community. Volunteer at a local charity event organized by the Schwenkfelder Church or donate to a cause that supports their values and beliefs.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Tradition and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is a way to honor the culture and history of the Schwenkfelder people. It is also a time for families to come together and pass down traditions from one generation to the next.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Gratitude and thankfulness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Much like traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for all of life's blessings. It is a day to reflect on the past year and give thanks for the good things that have happened.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Maintaining community connections</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is not just about family, but also about maintaining connections with the larger Schwenkfelder community. This holiday brings people together in celebration and helps strengthen bonds within the community.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Is Unique Among Thanksgiving Observances</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the majority of Thanksgiving celebrations in America take place on the fourth Thursday of November, Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving has steadfastly held its position on September 24, making it a unique observance that stands out among other Thanksgiving holidays.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is One of the Oldest Observances of Thanksgiving</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1734, predating the nationally recognized American Thanksgiving holiday which was not officially established until 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Schwenkfelders Maintained Their Language Even In Their New Home</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Schwenkfelders wrote their records and conducted their religious services in German until the early 20th century, a testament to their strong devotion to their cultural identity despite living in an English-speaking region.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cold Weather Harvests Are Integral To Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving</h3><p class='facts-content'>Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving traditionally includes a meal with cold weather harvests, including apples and pumpkins, to represent the end of the farming season and the bounty received from the year's labors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There is a Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving Prayer</h3><p class='facts-content'>An important part of the Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving service is the recitation of a special Thanksgiving prayer, reminding everyone of the deep faith and profound thankfulness that underpin the holiday.</p></div></div>
Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving is celebrated on September 24 every year. In 2024 Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Sep 24
Sunday
2024
Sep 24
Tuesday
2025
Sep 24
Wednesday
2026
Sep 24
Thursday
2027
Sep 24
Friday
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