Thanksgiving is a pagan custom that predates the Christian holiday. It is rooted in ancient harvest festivals that were celebrated by various cultures throughout history. The main idea behind Thanksgiving is to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and abundance of food. In ancient times, people believed that their survival depended on the generosity of the gods and spirits of nature. They would hold ceremonies and feasts to show their appreciation and give thanks for the crops and fruits that sustained them throughout the year. Over time, these harvest celebrations evolved into religious and cultural events, often involving rituals and traditions specific to each culture.
Concerning the last point, Bradford explained: “Lastly (and which was not least), a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way hereunto, for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.”
The Pilgrims, unlike some Europeans, came to the New World not to plunder, but to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, cultivate the land, and advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. In modern depiction, the cornucopia is typically a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket typically filled with various kinds of festive fruit and vegetables.
Over time, these harvest celebrations evolved into religious and cultural events, often involving rituals and traditions specific to each culture. For example, the ancient Greeks held a festival called Thesmophoria, dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. During this festival, women would gather and perform rituals to ensure a good harvest for the following year.
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Similarly, the ancient Romans celebrated a harvest festival known as Cerelia, dedicated to Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. The festival included a procession, games, and feasting in honor of the goddess. In other parts of the world, such as Ireland, Scotland, and England, harvest festivals were celebrated with elaborate rituals and customs. These included lighting bonfires, participating in parades, and sharing a festive meal with family and friends. With the arrival of Christianity, many of these pagan customs and traditions were assimilated into Christian holidays. Thanksgiving, as we know it today, can be traced back to the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the early 17th century. The Pilgrims, who were seeking religious freedom, introduced a Thanksgiving tradition influenced by their English and Dutch customs. They held a celebration to give thanks for their first successful harvest in the New World. This became an annual event that eventually spread throughout the American colonies and later became a national holiday in the United States. Although Thanksgiving has Christian roots, its pagan origins can still be seen in the emphasis on gratitude for abundance and the tradition of sharing a meal with loved ones. The main idea of Thanksgiving, whether viewed from a pagan or Christian perspective, remains the same: to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Overall, Thanksgiving is a pagan custom that has evolved over time to become a beloved holiday celebrated by millions around the world. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the abundance and blessings in our lives, just as our ancestors did centuries ago..
Reviews for "Unraveling the Pagan Origins of Thanksgiving's Feast"
1. John - 1 star
Thanksgiving is a pagan custom that has no place in our modern society. It is a celebration that perpetuates the false notion of peaceful relations between the Native Americans and the early European settlers. The reality is that the Native Americans were nearly wiped out by these settlers through violence, disease, and forced displacement. Celebrating Thanksgiving is an insult to the Native American people and their history of colonization and oppression.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I understand that Thanksgiving has become a traditional holiday for many people, but let's not forget its origins. It is essentially a celebration of the colonization of North America and the subjugation of the Native American people. The romanticization of this history is problematic and insensitive. Instead of glorifying a dark period in our past, we should focus on understanding and acknowledging the atrocities committed against the indigenous peoples. This is not a holiday that should be celebrated.
3. Michael - 1 star
Thanksgiving is a prime example of cultural appropriation and a disregard for history. It is a holiday that completely whitewashes the treatment of Native Americans by portraying the European settlers as peaceful and friendly. The reality is far from that. This holiday ignores the genocide and displacement that occurred, and instead, promotes a false narrative of unity and harmony. Celebrating Thanksgiving is disrespectful to the Native American community and only serves to reinforce harmful stereotypes.
4. Emily - 2 stars
As a person of Native American descent, Thanksgiving is a painful reminder of the colonization and oppression of my ancestors. It is a holiday that erases the violence and suffering inflicted upon Native American tribes. The so-called harmonious meeting between the settlers and Natives is a gross oversimplification of history and ignores the deep-rooted trauma and injustices that indigenous communities have endured. I choose not to partake in this holiday and instead focus on educating others about the true history of Thanksgiving.