Thanksgiving, a widely celebrated holiday in the United States and Canada, holds its origins in both religious and cultural traditions. However, some argue that the holiday has pagan roots, suggesting a connection to ancient harvest festivals and rituals. The celebration of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early settlers in America, particularly the Pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. These Pilgrims held a feast to give thanks for their successful harvest, which is widely recognized as the first Thanksgiving. While this event is often associated with the desire to express gratitude to God for the abundant harvest, there are certain elements of the holiday that bear similarities to pagan traditions. For instance, the timing of Thanksgiving aligns closely with the autumnal equinox, a significant event in pagan rituals.

Does Christmas have pagan roots?

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In ancient Rome, December 25 was a celebration of the Unconquered Sun, marking the return of longer days. It followed Saturnalia, a festival where people feasted and exchanged gifts. The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.

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The Genius of Labor Day

Labor Day became an American Federal Holiday in 1894. Most other countries celebrate Labor on May 1. That date had been a pagan celebration, but in the late 19th century, European socialists adopted it as the annual holiday devoted to labor with marches and riots.

Industrialization brought labor problems to the United States with some nasty consequences. American workers wanted more money, better working conditions and recognition. Money and better conditions were hard to give. So labor suggested a holiday, and management and Congress was enthused. A holiday not built around an armed uprising was just the thing. But May 1st was a reminder of everything they wanted the workers not to think about.

So, the first Monday in September was chosen. Being the last weekend before children returned to school, it created a three-day, family oriented holiday. Rather than marching under the red flag, families headed to the beach or lake or wherever for a final summer outing. The vendors at these places thought it was a delightful idea. And so, Labor Day became not a day to plan revolutions but a time to kick back and have a beer, and for the vacation industry to have one last summer blow-off.

Think about it. The threat was a European style revolution. The solution was a holiday, one the kids wouldn’t let the workers ignore. Those making money out of summer got a three-day weekend to peddle their wares. The workers were recognized for being workers, and at least that beef was taken care of. And some of the Christian churches who were not happy with a pagan holiday being Labor Day were also appeased.

To get a sense of the difference between the U.S. and Europe when facing political and economic chaos, the American solution was to turn a revolution into a marketable event, keep the churches quiet, and let the kids call off the union meeting.

Happy Labor Day, and think about its pure genius.

ORIGINS OF THANKSGIVING

The Pagans in ancient Rome celebrated their thanksgiving festivities in early October. The holiday was dedicated to the goddess of the harvest, Ceres, and the holiday was called Cerelia. The Holy Roman Universal (Catholic) Church took over the Pagan holiday and it became well established in England, where some of the Pagan customs and rituals for this day were observed long after the Roman Empire had fallen and had been absorbed into the church system. In England the "Harvest Home" has been observed continuously for centuries.

In our own part of the world, among the early Aztecs of Mexico, the harvest took on a much more horrible aspect. Every year, a young girl - a representation of Xilonen, The goddess of the new corn - was beheaded. The Pawnees also sacrificed a girl. In a more temperate mood, some of the Native Americans in the southeast, danced the "Green Corn Dance" and began the new year at harvest's end. It was all designed around cyclical seasons and multi-celebrations every year.

No wonder the Native Americans and the Pilgrim Fathers felt right at home on that big day in 1621. Obviously, the idea for this first Thanksgiving in the New World was not an original concept. On the contrary Thanksgiving, in the guise of the Pagan harvest festivals, can be traced all the way back to ancient Babylon and the worship of Semiramis. But, that's for another article.

No matter it's roots or beginnings, this is a time to gather with family and friends and unite in a state of thanksgiving . being thankful for all that we have. A vast number of the world's population lives a troubled existence. They are hungry, poor, homeless, ill, and without work or shelter. It's a time when we can be both a human being, and a human giving. Help others when you can. The younger we are, the less we have. And I have found that the older I get, the less I need. Be forgiving, be loving, be tolerant, be understanding, and . be thankful for everything . even the bad times. Because if it were not for the bad times, we would have no comprehension of the good times. The same central nervous system that brings pain, is the same system that brings pleasure. We must have both. It is Universal Law and Polarity.

~Justin Taylor, ORDM., OCP., DM.

Here’s the True and Bloody Story Behind the Origins of Thanksgiving

For instance, the timing of Thanksgiving aligns closely with the autumnal equinox, a significant event in pagan rituals. Additionally, feasting and offering thanks for a bountiful harvest are common themes in both Thanksgiving celebrations and ancient pagan customs. Furthermore, many cultures have their own harvest festivals that share similarities with Thanksgiving.

Behind Thanksgiving celebrations lies a dark story full of conflict, blood, and genocide.

Here's The True And Bloody Story Behind The Origins Of Thanksgiving

We all know that Thanksgiving is an American holiday meant to celebrate and be grateful for our blessings and the friendship of others. What many ignore, however, is that behind this seemingly joyous occasion lies a dark story full of conflict, blood, and genocide.

The origins of Thanksgiving, like with most other traditional festivities, are rooted in old pagan rites. The holiday has its earliest source in ancient customs found throughout the globe that allocated a day of giving thanks for a successful harvest and the fortunes or blessings of the previous year. More specifically, however, it is often said that the current American tradition of Thanksgiving dates back to the establishment of the Plymouth Colony in what today is Massachusetts, in 1620.

Ancient Greeks celebrated a festival called Thesmophoria, during which they honored Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and gave thanks for a productive harvest. Similarly, the Celtic festival of Samhain, which eventually evolved into Halloween, involved feasting and celebrating the harvest season. It is important to note that the precise origins of Thanksgiving are complex and intertwined with various historical and cultural influences. While there may be some resemblances to pagan customs, the modern-day celebration of Thanksgiving focuses primarily on gratitude, family, and unity. The holiday has evolved over time, incorporating different traditions and customs, ultimately creating a unique cultural phenomenon. In conclusion, Thanksgiving, while rooted in religious and cultural traditions, does bear some resemblances to ancient pagan rituals. However, it is essential to recognize that the modern-day celebration has taken on its own meaning and significance, emphasizing gratitude and unity rather than specific religious or pagan beliefs..

Reviews for "Thanksgiving's Pagan Roots: A Journey through History"

1. Jenny - 2/5 stars: I was disappointed to learn about the pagan roots of Thanksgiving. I always thought it was a wholesome holiday to celebrate gratitude and unity. It's disheartening to realize that it might have a darker history. While I appreciate knowing the truth, it has definitely tarnished my perception of this once cherished holiday.

2. Mark - 3/5 stars: I understand that history is complex and can sometimes have uncomfortable truths. However, learning about the pagan roots of Thanksgiving has left a sour taste in my mouth. I've always associated the holiday with family, delicious food, and gratitude. It's hard to separate those positive emotions from the historical context now revealed. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the importance of understanding the origins of traditions.

3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: The revelation about the pagan roots of Thanksgiving has made it difficult for me to celebrate the holiday with the same enthusiasm. I used to love the idea of coming together with loved ones and expressing gratitude, but now I can't help but feel conflicted and uncertain about the holiday's true meaning. It's a shame that something that was meant to be joyous has turned into a source of confusion and disappointment.

The Pagan Influences on Thanksgiving's Festive Foods