Thanksgiving is not a pagan holiday. It is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada to give thanks for the blessings of the year, particularly the harvest and the provision of food. While it is true that Thanksgiving has historical roots in pagan harvest festivals, it has since evolved into a religious and cultural holiday celebrated by people of various faith backgrounds. Today, Thanksgiving is widely recognized as a secular holiday and its focus is on family gatherings, feasting, and expressing gratitude. The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the English pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early 17th century. These pilgrims, known as the Mayflower Pilgrims, celebrated a harvest feast in 1621 to give thanks for a successful harvest season.
As Christians, we've heard the arguments against Halloween, Christmas and Easter but Thanksgiving? Aren't we stretching these "forbidden" holidays a bit too far?
After the Revolutionary War, at the request of Congress, President George Washington declared that Thursday, November 26, 1789, would be for the people of the United States a day of thanksgiving As a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and single favors of Almighty God. He coordinates the Life, Hope Truth website, Discern magazine, the Daily Bible Verse Blog and the Life, Hope Truth Weekly Newsletter including World Watch Weekly.
These pilgrims, known as the Mayflower Pilgrims, celebrated a harvest feast in 1621 to give thanks for a successful harvest season. This event is often referred to as the first Thanksgiving, and it served as a way for the pilgrims to express gratitude for their survival and the help they received from the Native American Wampanoag tribe. Over time, Thanksgiving became an important cultural tradition in the United States, with different states and regions observing it on different dates.
Thanksgiving, Purim and Hanukkah
It was not until 1863, during the American Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. Since then, Thanksgiving has been an annual holiday in the United States, and in 1957, Canada officially declared its own Thanksgiving holiday to be celebrated on the second Monday in October. While some individuals may argue that Thanksgiving has pagan roots due to its association with harvest festivals, it is important to note that the meaning and significance of the holiday have evolved over time. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a time for families and friends to come together, reflect on their blessings, and show gratitude for the abundance in their lives. It is a secular holiday that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, allowing people of different backgrounds to partake in the spirit of thankfulness and unity. In conclusion, Thanksgiving is not a pagan holiday, but rather a national holiday focused on giving thanks and celebrating the harvest season. While its origins may have pagan influences, the holiday has evolved into a secular tradition that is celebrated by people of various faiths and cultural backgrounds. Whether it is through feasting, expressing gratitude, or spending time with loved ones, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and appreciate the blessings in our lives..
Reviews for "Examining the Pagan Influences on Thanksgiving's Date and Timing"
1. Robert - 1 star - I was very disappointed with "Why is Thanksgiving a Pagan Holiday." The author's arguments were weak and lacked substantial evidence to support their claims. It felt like a poorly researched opinion piece rather than an informative book. I was hoping to gain a better understanding of the historical origins of Thanksgiving, but instead, I was left confused and unconvinced. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking accurate and well-reasoned information about the holiday.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - While the concept of exploring the pagan roots of Thanksgiving intrigued me, "Why is Thanksgiving a Pagan Holiday" fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to have a biased agenda from the start, presenting limited evidence and ignoring contradictory historical facts. Instead of offering a balanced analysis, the book read like an attempt to undermine the holiday's significance without providing a balanced alternative view. I was left feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with the content, and would advise others to seek out more well-rounded resources on the topic.
3. Mark - 1 star - "Why is Thanksgiving a Pagan Holiday" was a complete waste of my time. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own beliefs rather than providing an objective examination of Thanksgiving's origins. Throughout the book, I encountered numerous inaccuracies and misinterpretations of historical events. It is clear that the author cherry-picked evidence to support their preconceived notions, resulting in a shallow and unconvincing argument. I would strongly advise against reading this book if you are looking for reliable information about the holiday.