Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States and Canada, traditionally commemorating the harvest season and giving thanks for a bountiful year. However, some scholars argue that the origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to pagan practices. These practices centered around the concept of harvest festivals, where ancient societies would express gratitude to their gods for a successful harvest season. The pagans believed that by offering thanks and sacrifices, they would ensure future fertility and prosperity. These rituals would involve feasting, giving offerings, and performing ceremonies to honor the gods of agriculture and fertility. The most notable pagan festival associated with Thanksgiving is the ancient Roman festival of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture.
Forsythia is associated with anticipation and love. SuperStock-PKS Media/BrandX Pictures/Getty Images
If the pseudobulbs of the orchids or the leaves of the Clivia shrivel or wrinkle, then it is acceptable to give them a little water and ease them off of the water gradually after Samhain. Not that I believe anyone should tone it down for fear of scaring the normies , but I feel there s something to be said for keeping overt religion out of public spaces.
The most notable pagan festival associated with Thanksgiving is the ancient Roman festival of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. This festival, known as Cerelia, was typically held in the fall and included processions, feasts, and rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming year. Similar pagan harvest festivals can be found in various cultures throughout history, such as the Greek festival of Thesmophoria and the Celtic festival of Samhain.
3 pagan holidays you should know as a gardener and why
Many pagan faiths are rooted in their connection with the earth, since they were largely practised in periods which spanned from the time of hunter-gatherer societies to the establishment of agrarian societies, and then declined (albeit slowly) as people settled in large cities and as Christianity rose to prominence in the Roman empire over the 4th century CE.
I’m not a pagan, but I still recognise that their holidays actually mark out important times for indoor and outdoor gardeners to know. Pagans celebrated celebrated these holidays to mark important times in the changes of the seasons, which were often tied to the arrival of pollinators, as well as times to sow seeds, when to harvest, and when the growing seasons began and ended. I don’t observe these holidays in any religious way, but I just think they’re helpful markers for my gardening. In this post, I’ll be focusing on indoor gardening, since that’s more my forte than outdoor gardening
When European settlers arrived in the Americas, they brought their own harvest traditions and religious practices with them. These traditions were heavily influenced by their pagan roots. As they faced the challenges of survival in a new land, the settlers adopted and adapted native harvest customs and rituals. This blending of European and Native American traditions eventually gave rise to the Thanksgiving holiday as we know it today. As time passed, the religious and pagan elements of Thanksgiving became less prominent, and the holiday became more secular in nature. Today, Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated as a time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a festive meal. While the origins of Thanksgiving may lie in pagan practices, the holiday has evolved into a cherished tradition that is embraced by people of various cultural and religious backgrounds. In conclusion, Thanksgiving can be seen as a holiday that has its roots in pagan harvest festivals. While the religious aspects have become less prominent over time, the spirit of giving thanks and celebrating a bountiful year remains at the heart of the holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones – a practice that has stood the test of time and continues to be cherished by millions of people around the world..
Reviews for "Thanksgiving and its Ancient Pagan Connections"
1. John Smith - 2 Stars - I was excited to read "Thanksgiving and its pagan origins" as I am always interested in learning about the historical background of holidays. However, I was highly disappointed with the book. The author's arguments were weak and lacked solid evidence. It seemed like they were just trying to present their own biased views rather than delivering factual information. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1 Star - This book was a complete waste of time. Not only did it fail to provide any substantial evidence of Thanksgiving's pagan origins, but it also seemed to cherry-pick information to fit the author's own agenda. The writing style was dull and unengaging, making it difficult to stay focused. I was expecting an in-depth exploration of the topic, but instead, I found myself questioning the credibility of the author. Save your money and find a more reputable source if you're genuinely interested in learning about the origins of Thanksgiving.
3. Michael Thompson - 2 Stars - As someone who enjoys delving into the historical origins of holidays, I was intrigued by the premise of "Thanksgiving and its pagan origins." However, I found the book to be disappointing and lacking in substance. The author's arguments were unconvincing and often based on tenuous connections. The book lacked a cohesive flow and failed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the topic. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others seeking reliable information about the history of Thanksgiving.