Thanksgiving is a holiday widely celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is traditionally believed to be a time to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. However, many people are unaware that Thanksgiving has its roots in ancient pagan celebrations. The ancient pagan festival known as Samhain was celebrated by the Celts to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. During this time, people believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, and they would gather to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for the coming year. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, pagan holidays and traditions were often incorporated into Christian holidays as a way to ease the transition and attract more followers.
Finally a scary element was needed. What's more scary that a spider? For my little guy I used a pattern from EasyPeasyGrandma but added two more legs and used googly eyes instead. Who doesn't love googly eyes?
As Christianity spread throughout Europe, pagan holidays and traditions were often incorporated into Christian holidays as a way to ease the transition and attract more followers. In the case of Thanksgiving, the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day, or All Hallows' Day, was established on November 1st to honor all the saints and martyrs. This holiday borrowed many elements from Samhain, including the lighting of bonfires and the belief that the spirits of the dead walked the Earth.
Twisted Witch Hat
It's done! YAY! I've hat the pattern for The Twisted Witch Hat by Stephanie Porkony at Crochetverse for a few years, so it was time to get 'er done. Can I say how much fun this was?
Once I had the base made it was time to add some lights. I used purple twinkle lights that are battery operated and attached them with that sparkly eyelash yarn we all have in our stash but never use. I will say this was the most tedious part because my goal was to hide the wires. At this point I also added the curl, which I reinforced with electrical wire so it would keep its shape. I also added 18 gauge wire around the brim of the hat so I could style it as desired. Finally I stitched a pocket inside the hat to hold the battery pack. Yes, this was a true day of work but the results were fantastic.
Next I decided a flower was needed. I knew I wanted BIG, PURPLE, and SPARKLY. I have several patterns by PippaPattersCrochet. Her flowers are SO SUPER realistic and I want to make them all some day. I kept it simple for this hat so I went for worsted weight yarn and a bigger hook. I only did three rows of flowers. For the middle I added a big black rhinestone to get the desired sparkle.
Finally a scary element was needed. What's more scary that a spider? For my little guy I used a pattern from EasyPeasyGrandma but added two more legs and used googly eyes instead. Who doesn't love googly eyes?
I am thrilled with the results. Right now it is on display at #YarnandYou, so come by to see it in person.
Here are the links to the patterns I used:
I am thrilled with the results. Right now it is on display at #YarnandYou, so come by to see it in person.
When Europeans settled in North America, they brought their traditions and celebrations with them. The Pilgrims, who are credited with the first Thanksgiving, were heavily influenced by their religious beliefs and customs. They celebrated a day of thanksgiving to God for their bountiful harvest and survival in the new land. Over time, Thanksgiving became more secularized and less tied to religious rituals. It evolved into a time to gather with family and friends, share a meal, and reflect on the blessings of the past year. Many of the customs and symbols associated with Thanksgiving, such as turkey, pumpkins, and cornucopias, are derived from pagan harvest traditions. Despite its pagan origins, Thanksgiving has become an important holiday in the United States and Canada, promoting gratitude and unity among its citizens. Whether one chooses to celebrate it as a religious or secular holiday, the main idea of Thanksgiving remains the same – to give thanks for the abundance in one's life and to come together with loved ones..
Reviews for "Thanksgiving's pagan past: separating fact from folklore"
1. John - 1 star
Thanksgiving and its pagan heritage is a disgrace. I cannot believe that people still celebrate this holiday without understanding its true origins. It is a perfect example of how society is so blinded by tradition that they fail to question the true meaning behind it. Thanksgiving is rooted in the genocide and discrimination of Native Americans. We should be promoting inclusivity, not celebrating a holiday that perpetuates historical injustice.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
As someone who values historical accuracy and cultural awareness, I find it difficult to support Thanksgiving and its pagan heritage. The holiday has been romanticized to the point where people forget the harsh reality of colonization and the suffering experienced by Native American communities. It is disappointing to see how society chooses to turn a blind eye to the brutal history associated with Thanksgiving and instead focus on superficial traditions such as turkey dinners and football games. We should be using this day to educate ourselves and strive for a more inclusive and respectful future.
3. Mark - 1 star
Thanksgiving's pagan heritage is a clear demonstration of cultural appropriation and ignorance. It is absurd that people gather around dinner tables to give thanks while disregarding the fact that the holiday's roots lie in European paganism. It is disrespectful to those who genuinely follow pagan beliefs and trivializes their customs. We should be embracing diverse cultures and respecting their traditions, rather than appropriating them for the sake of a national holiday.
4. Emma - 1 star
Thanksgiving and its pagan heritage are a prime example of the whitewashing of history. It is deeply troubling to see how this holiday has been glamorized to the point where people are unaware of its dark origins. The genocide and oppression of Native Americans should never be forgotten, yet Thanksgiving perpetuates a false narrative of unity and gratitude. This holiday should be reevaluated and transformed into an opportunity for education and reflection, rather than a celebration that overlooks the suffering of an entire community.