Thanksgiving is often thought of as a quintessentially American holiday, rooted in the colonial history of the United States. However, its origins can be traced back to much earlier pagan traditions. The concept of giving thanks and expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest is a practice that can be found in many ancient cultures. Among the pagans of Europe, a harvest festival was celebrated to honor the gods of nature and give thanks for the abundance of food and resources that sustained their communities. These festivals often involved feasting, music, dancing, and other forms of merriment. In ancient Rome, the festival of Cerelia was dedicated to the goddess Ceres, who was the patroness of agriculture and grain crops.
One of the most important medieval Catholic rituals, the Eucharist involves a special blessing, called a consecration, of bread and wine. This consecration is rooted in what Jesus Christ did during the ritual meal he shared with his apostles before his arrest and crucifixion – the Last Supper. The ritual as a whole is a thanksgiving to God for the offer of salvation from sin in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From at least the fourth century, Christians were expected to attend Mass every Sunday, with a few exceptions, and to rest from work.
King Philip II of Spain, a devout Catholic, ordered it sung after hearing of the victory of a Catholic fleet against the Ottoman Turks at sea off the shore of Greece. To celebrate their success and to honor each other, everyone got together and threw an affectionate feast in which the pilgrims showed their gratitude.
In ancient Rome, the festival of Cerelia was dedicated to the goddess Ceres, who was the patroness of agriculture and grain crops. This festival, which took place in October, was a time for farmers to express their gratitude for a successful harvest and seek blessings for the next planting season. In Celtic cultures, the festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Thanksgiving’s Pagan Origins & How to Celebrate As A Pagan
When we think of Thanksgiving the image that pops up is of pilgrims and Native Americans sitting at a table, feasting on turkey and pumpkin. But is this really Thanksgiving’s origins? Weren’t there other harvest and fall festivals before Thanksgiving? Let’s take a look at America’s past and examine the question “How did Thanksgiving originate” a little closer than the history books provide us. And we’ll talk about how to celebrate Thanksgiving as a pagan modern holiday.
It was a time to give thanks for the harvest, but also to honor the dead and usher in the darker months of the year. Many of the customs associated with Samhain, such as bonfires and costumes, have been incorporated into the modern celebration of Halloween. When European settlers arrived in North America, they brought with them their own traditions and customs, including harvest festivals. The most famous example of this is the Pilgrims' celebration in 1621, which is often referred to as the first Thanksgiving. However, this event was not actually a religious or annual holiday; it was a one-time feast to commemorate a successful harvest and forge alliances with the local Native American tribes. Over time, Thanksgiving became an important part of American culture, evolving into a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. While its pagan roots may be less prominent in modern times, the spirit of gratitude and the emphasis on celebrating abundance and community still resonate with many people today. In conclusion, Thanksgiving may have its origins in pagan harvest festivals, but it has evolved and transformed over the centuries to become a unique American tradition. Regardless of its historical roots, the holiday continues to be a time for people to come together, express gratitude, and celebrate the good things in life..
Reviews for "Giving Thanks: A Comparative Analysis of Pagan and Thanksgiving Practices"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I really did not enjoy "Thanksguving pagan holiday". The storyline was confusing and disjointed, with no clear direction or purpose. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. The writing style was choppy and filled with grammatical errors, which further hindered my reading experience. Overall, I found this book to be a major disappointment and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 2 stars
"Thanksguving pagan holiday" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver on many levels. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took far too long for the story to develop. The narrative was convoluted, and the constant switching between different time periods and perspectives made it difficult to follow. Additionally, the characters lacked relatability and felt underdeveloped. I was hoping for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Thanksguving pagan holiday" to be a confusing and muddled read. The plotline was sporadic and lacked coherence, making it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. Furthermore, the writing style was flat and uninspiring, failing to evoke any emotions or create a sense of atmosphere. While there were some interesting ideas present, they were not executed well, leaving me feeling unsatisfied with the overall reading experience. I would not recommend this book to others looking for a captivating and well-crafted storyline.