Thanksgiving: Tracing its Pagan Roots Through History

Thanksgiving is often seen as a holiday with religious undertones, as it is often associated with expressions of gratitude and appreciation. However, there are debates among scholars and religious leaders regarding the origins and religious significance of Thanksgiving. Some argue that the holiday has pagan roots, while others believe it has religious overtones. One perspective suggests that Thanksgiving draws inspiration from ancient pagan harvest festivals. These festivals were dedicated to giving thanks for the bountiful harvest and were celebrated by various cultures, such as the Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans. Pagan traditions, such as feasting and offering thanks to gods or nature, are said to have influenced the current practices of Thanksgiving.

Syncretism is the combining of multiple religions, and is central to our reasons for rejecting Christmas. We can read and study history to find vaguely where Christmas and Easter were festival based on a combination of multiple religions, but no obvious admissions that this was the direct intention. But with Thanksgiving we have very specific statements of the religiously universal goal of the holiday. Sarah Hale explicitly expressed her desire to combine different religions together to create a universal Thanksgiving Day.

the establishment and universal observance of one general Christian Festival of Thanksgiving , on the same day of the year, throughout those nations. Every State and Territory has, in some way, signified its willingness to adopt this venerable custom, which we recognize in the Jewish Feast of Weeks , as appointed by Jehovah for His Chosen People.

Pagan traditions, such as feasting and offering thanks to gods or nature, are said to have influenced the current practices of Thanksgiving. On the other hand, many view Thanksgiving as a Christian holiday. They argue that the origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the Pilgrims, who celebrated a religious Thanksgiving feast in 1621 to express their gratitude to God for their survival and the successful harvest.

Why we should not celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is generally taught as an acceptable holiday to celebrate in the larger congregations of God. But this acceptance is based primarily on the belief that the Pilgrims created Thanksgiving. But the origins of Thanksgiving are a combination of superstition, myths and false Christianity, similar to Christmas, Easter, Halloween.

Summary of this paper

1. Thanksgiving was not started by the Pilgrims, this is now a well known fact, and is widely reported by historians as a myth
2. Two separate thanksgiving celebrations were brought to America, one a religious event, the other was a harvest festival
3. The harvest festival was a pagan celebration, the religious thanksgiving was from the Church of England
4. The King of England proclaimed days of thanksgiving during the American colonial period, without the influence of Pilgrims or Puritans
5. In the 1800s Sarah Hale marketed the idea of a universal national American thanksgiving holiday that combined the religious thanksgivings with the harvest festival thanksgivings
6. Sarah Hale specifically and repeatedly stated that she intended to combine God's harvest festivals with Thanksgiving Day
7. The cornucopia is a Greek & Roman religious symbol that can be traced back directly to the time of Jesus and further into the past
8. Removing the pagan elements does not change the pagan origins of any holiday
9. Our current justifications for observing Thanksgiving Day are based on misinformation and myths

This historical event is considered the foundation of Thanksgiving in America. Furthermore, Thanksgiving is often associated with religious beliefs and practices, as it includes prayers, grace before meals, and attendance at religious services. Many families and communities gather to offer thanks to God for the blessings they have received. It is important to note that the understanding and interpretation of holidays can vary among individuals and communities. While some may view Thanksgiving as a pagan holiday influenced by ancient traditions, others may see it as a Christian holiday rooted in gratitude to God. In conclusion, the question of whether Thanksgiving is considered a pagan holiday or a Christian holiday depends on one's perspective and interpretation. While some argue that it has pagan roots, others view it as a Christian tradition. Regardless of its origins, Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated as a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity among individuals, families, and communities..

Reviews for "Thanksgiving Through a Pagan Lens: Examining its Rituals and Symbols"

1. Sarah - 2 stars

I didn't find "Is Thanksgiving Considered a Pagan Holiday" to be very informative or well-researched. The author seemed to have a biased perspective and cherry-picked information to support their own agenda. It lacked nuance and failed to present a balanced view on the topic. Overall, I was disappointed with this book as it didn't provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

2. Mike - 1 star

I found "Is Thanksgiving Considered a Pagan Holiday" to be rather misleading. The title seemed intriguing, but the content of the book didn't live up to my expectations. Instead of providing a well-researched analysis, it seemed like the author was simply trying to stir controversy. The book lacked depth and failed to present solid evidence to support its claims. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a thoughtful exploration of the topic.

3. Emily - 2 stars

"Is Thanksgiving Considered a Pagan Holiday" was a disappointing read for me. The author seemed to be more interested in pushing their personal beliefs rather than engaging in an objective analysis. The arguments presented were weak and lacked substantial evidence. I was hoping for a more scholarly approach to the topic, but unfortunately, this book fell short. I would not recommend it to others seeking a thorough examination of the origins of Thanksgiving.

4. John - 1 star

I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots of Thanksgiving by reading "Is Thanksgiving Considered a Pagan Holiday." However, I was left disappointed. The book was filled with speculative theories and provided very little factual evidence to support its claims. The author seemed more interested in promoting their personal opinion rather than providing a well-researched analysis. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and not worth the read.

The Pagan Influences on Thanksgiving: Fact or Fiction?