Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated annually in the United States and Canada. It is traditionally observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. and on the second Monday of October in Canada. The purpose of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to gather with family and loved ones to share a meal. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early settlers in America.
Top Image: ‘The First Thanksgiving 1621,’ (1899) by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. The painting shows common misconceptions about the event that persist to modern times: Pilgrims did not wear such outfits, and the Wampanoag are dressed in the style of Native Americans from the Great Plains. Source: Public Domain
In Jewish tradition, the holiday of Sukkot Feast of Booths is observed in the fall in which special meals are eaten from a booth, hut, or sukkah, in thanks for the protection and care of god. In Jewish tradition, the holiday of Sukkot Feast of Booths is observed in the fall in which special meals are eaten from a booth, hut, or sukkah, in thanks for the protection and care of god.
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early settlers in America. The Pilgrims who came to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620 celebrated a harvest feast with the Wampanoag Indians in the autumn of 1621. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving and is celebrated as a symbol of harmony and cooperation between different cultures.
American Thanksgiving Origins and Roots in the Old World
As the leaves turn beautiful golden and fiery red hues, the weather gets colder, and people prepare for the oncoming winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Americans enjoy the annual celebration of Thanksgiving. It is a time to be with family and friends, to remember the history of the country’s founders hundreds of years ago, and to be grateful for all they have. In effect, it is a time to count blessings and enjoy the bounty of the year – with a large focus on traditional foods such as roasted turkey and seasonal vegetables.
Now observed on the fourth Thursday in November annually, the history of Thanksgiving is taught to American children. For some families it is the biggest celebration of the year and the start of the holiday season, including Christmas and the New Year .
The holiday is considered a vital part of American history and identity, but much of the popular story told every year about Thanksgiving’s origins is said to be full of historical inaccuracies. What are the real origins of this holiday harvest festival ?
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However, some argue that Thanksgiving has pagan roots and is not a purely Christian holiday. They point to similarities between Thanksgiving and ancient harvest festivals celebrated by pagan cultures around the world. These festivals were often dedicated to a god or goddess of agriculture and involved feasting, giving thanks for a bountiful harvest, and praying for a good growing season in the future. Additionally, the date of Thanksgiving coincides with other pagan holidays, such as Samhain or Halloween, which were and still are celebrated by some cultures as the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This has led some to question whether Thanksgiving is a religious holiday rooted in pagan traditions. Despite these arguments, Thanksgiving has strong ties to Christianity and its message of gratitude and thankfulness. The early settlers who celebrated the first Thanksgiving were devout Christians who expressed their thankfulness to God for their survival and the abundance of the harvest. Thanksgiving also has deep roots in American history and has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as a day of thanksgiving and praise. In conclusion, while there may be some similarities between Thanksgiving and ancient pagan harvest festivals, Thanksgiving is primarily a Christian holiday and a time to express gratitude for blessings received. Its origins can be traced back to the early settlers in America, and it is deeply rooted in American history and tradition..
Reviews for "Is Thanksgiving Just Another Pagan Holiday?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with this book. I was hoping for a well-researched analysis of the origins of Thanksgiving, but instead, I found myself reading a poorly-constructed argument full of conspiracy theories. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own agenda rather than providing factual information. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an objective look at the history of Thanksgiving.
2. John - 1 star
This book was just a waste of my time and money. It was clear from the start that the author had a biased view against Thanksgiving as a pagan tradition, and it felt like they were cherry-picking evidence to support their claims. The argument lacked depth and coherence, and I found myself more confused than enlightened after reading it. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a balanced and well-reasoned perspective.
3. Emily - 1 star
I found this book to be quite frustrating. The author presented their arguments in a very dogmatic and preachy manner, which made it difficult for me to take their claims seriously. Additionally, the lack of credible sources and evidence to support their assertions undermined any credibility this book could have had. I wouldn't waste my time with this book if I were you.
4. Tom - 2 stars
While the topic of whether Thanksgiving is a pagan tradition intrigued me, I felt let down by this book. The author's writing style was overly simplistic and lacked nuance. There were a few interesting points raised, but they were quickly overshadowed by the lack of evidence and weak arguments. Overall, I expected more from this book, and I would not recommend it to others interested in exploring the topic further.