Sure, nothing says USA like the tradition of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. But our young culture certainly does not hold the patent on the ritual of giving thanks for the earth’s bounty.
I found a great article on GenealogyForum that puts things in perspective. The author, GFS Morgan points out:
“People have given thanks for the bountiful harvests for thousands of years all over the earth. Historical records exist of the ancient Egyptians giving thanks to their gods for the Nile River floods that provided needed irrigation for their crops. The Chinese gave thanks to their gods and honored their ancestors. The Romans and Greeks celebrated with feasts, pageants, and revelry. Across Europe, India, Africa, North America and South America, and the rest of the earth over the millenia, there have been commemorations and feasts of thanksgiving.
The inhabitants of the North American continent were no different than other cultures. They worshipped the Earth Mother who provided the great herds for hunting, the aquatic creatures for fishing, and for bountiful crops of corn and other provisions. While the ceremonies differed from tribe to tribe across the continent, depending on their geographical location and their circumstances, a common thread weaves all mankind together.”
As you sit down with family, friends or even strangers to share a meal together, think for a minute about how this practice connects you not only with your community of fellow Americans, but puts you in touch with the greater family of humanity and the traditions that have been common to all of us, throughout all regions and times.
Happy thanksgiving everyone!
photo by gretchen robinette / creative commons