Thanksgiving for Pagans Thanksgiving is a holiday widely celebrated by people of various religious and cultural backgrounds in the United States. While traditionally seen as a Christian holiday, many pagans also observe and find ways to give thanks during this time of year. For pagans, Thanksgiving often takes on a different meaning compared to other religious or secular observances. It can be seen as a time to express gratitude for the abundance of nature and the changing seasons. Pagans may engage in rituals or ceremonies that honor and give thanks to the Earth, the harvest, and the cycles of life. One aspect of pagan Thanksgiving celebrations may involve gathering in nature, such as in forests or open fields, to give thanks for the bountiful gifts of the Earth.
Thanksgiving for pagans
When we think of Thanksgiving the image that pops up is of pilgrims and Native Americans sitting at a table, feasting on turkey and pumpkin. But is this really Thanksgiving’s origins? Weren’t there other harvest and fall festivals before Thanksgiving? Let’s take a look at America’s past and examine the question “How did Thanksgiving originate” a little closer than the history books provide us. And we’ll talk about how to celebrate Thanksgiving as a pagan modern holiday.
One aspect of pagan Thanksgiving celebrations may involve gathering in nature, such as in forests or open fields, to give thanks for the bountiful gifts of the Earth. This can include appreciation for the food that is grown, the animals that provide sustenance, and the natural resources that support life. Group prayers, chants, or meditations may be conducted to express gratitude and connect with the spiritual essence of the land.
How Did Thanksgiving Begin?
In answering the question how did Thanksgiving begin, the main theme of “Thanksgiving” is giving thanks for what we have. The idea of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty, for family, and all the earth’s provided originates with ancient harvest festivals. This type of celebration has been passed down by our ancestors for thousands of years. The pilgrims and Native Americans weren’t the only people to give thanks for the harvest. Many ancient (and modern) cultures around the world celebrate some sort of harvest festival. Here’s a few that may have influenced the modern American Thanksgiving.
2 Celtic Harvest Festivals: Ancient Gaelic Thanksgiving
At least two sabbats on the modern Wheel of the Year are traced back to Celtic harvest festivals. Lughnasadh, which means “Assembly of Lugh”, was the first harvest festival celebrated by the ancient Gaelic Celts. This harvest festival occurred annually around August 1st and marked the beginning of the harvest season. The men worked tirelessly since Beltane, planting and caring for the crops, to begin seeing their yield around the beginning of August. The women came down from the mountains, where they cared for the livestock in the Summer months, to aid in harvesting on Lughnasadh. In addition, feasts were had and celebrations ensued.
The second major harvest festival took place around November 1st annually and was called Samain (Samhain) meaning “Summer’s End”. This was a day when the last harvest was completed and feasts were had. It was also a time when the Celts believed the dead and the faeries could visit the earthly plane easily. These beliefs gave way to our modern Halloween traditions of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving. But, essentially, the Celts considered this day the last day to harvest before Winter began. Anything left in the fields after Samhain was left for the “good folk” (fairies) and was unlucky to eat or use thereafter.
Dożynki: A Slavic Thanksgiving
Another ancient harvest festival from Europe is Dożynki, which is Slavic in origin. Prior to the conversion of pagan people, Dożynki was celebrated around the Autumn Equinox every year. Just like with the ancient Celtic festivals, the Slavs would gather together to harvest the crop then have a procession through the villages carrying a sheaf or the last bit of plant to be harvested. The women made wreaths from the harvest and gifted the wreaths to the procession’s leader. Following the procession, the people would feast and perform traditional dances.
Feasting also holds a significant role in pagan Thanksgiving celebrations. Pagans may gather with friends and family to share a meal of seasonal and locally sourced foods, highlighting the connection between the land and nourishment. It is common to offer thanks for each dish and acknowledge the effort that went into its creation. In addition to expressing gratitude for physical abundance, pagans may also use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to give thanks for personal blessings and spiritual growth. This can involve reflecting on achievements, expressing gratitude for supportive relationships, or setting intentions for the coming year. Furthermore, pagans may partake in acts of charity or service during Thanksgiving. This can include volunteering at food drives, animal shelters, or environmental organizations. By giving back to the community and contributing to the well-being of the Earth, pagans embody the values of gratitude and interconnectedness. Overall, Thanksgiving for pagans is a time to reconnect with nature, express gratitude for the abundance in their lives, and deepen their relationship with the Earth. It is a celebration that honors the cycles of life, the harvest, and the interconnectedness of all beings. By embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving, pagans can cultivate a deeper sense of appreciation, compassion, and stewardship towards the natural world..
Reviews for "Rituals and Offerings: Pagan Traditions for Thanksgiving"
1. Jane Doe - 2/5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'Thanksgiving for pagans' as I am always looking for new perspectives on holidays. However, I was disappointed with this book. While the author did touch on some interesting points about the historical roots of Thanksgiving, I found the overall tone to be unnecessarily condescending towards those who celebrate the holiday traditionally. Rather than engaging in a thoughtful discussion, the author seemed more interested in mocking and belittling people who follow mainstream traditions. I wish the book had offered a more balanced and respectful approach to the topic."
2. John Smith - 2/5 stars - "I found 'Thanksgiving for pagans' to be a rather shallow exploration of the subject matter. The author presented some alternative perspectives on Thanksgiving, which I appreciated, but failed to provide any substantial evidence or arguments to support their claims. The book also lacked depth in its historical research, making it difficult to take the author's assertions seriously. Overall, I felt that the book missed an opportunity to provide a thought-provoking and well-reasoned analysis of Thanksgiving and its implications."
3. Sarah Thompson - 1/5 stars - "I had high expectations for 'Thanksgiving for pagans' based on the intriguing title and subject matter. However, I was sorely disappointed. The author's writing style was incredibly pretentious and difficult to follow. It felt like they were trying too hard to appear intellectual, but ended up coming across as pretentious and arrogant. The lack of clarity in their arguments made it difficult to engage with the content, and ultimately, I couldn't finish the book. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a nuanced and well-researched exploration of Thanksgiving."