In the United States this week, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Well some of us will, while others treat the day known as Thanksgiving as a Memorial for all the Native Americans who lost their lives to the European Immigrants.
In my home, Thanksgiving was never truly about a meal shared between Native Americans and the Pilgrims in a time that predated the Revolutionary War- that seemed more like another story in the Bible to explain where the American Thanksgiving came from. The origins never mattered so much as the theme of Thanksgiving itself.
In a way, part of the reason I don’t associate the two, is because Thanksgiving isn’t something we share with the community, it’s something we share with the family and our deity. I always thought that if we really wanted to keep to the spirit of the Pilgrim and Native American meal, then Thanksgiving would have more community involvement. Something like a Church event where everyone gathers together for a nice Turkey meal, or the town sponsors a large cookout to celebrate the fact that we are moving forward.
Of course, I live in a day and age where we’re less connected with our communities than previous generations. Maybe there was a time when this was the idea, but it has since migrated to something more exclusive, rather than inclusive. I must admit though, the only time I felt like I was sharing in the spirit of the “Original Thanksgiving” was when I shared it amongst my fellow service members in the Army.
But in the last few years, the memorial concept has taken center stage. As though it’s now more important to focus on the “Original Thanksgiving” rather than the whole point of Thanksgiving- which by virtue of its name is to give thanks for what you have. Even if you’re not thanking a deity for what you have, or another person for giving it to you, the sentiment should be the same: to be grateful you have anything at all.
Whether you’re lighting a candle for the Native Americans who lost their lives or commemorating a day when different cultures were able to get along, let’s not forget that setting aside time to be thankful for what we have today- in the here and now- should not be ignored for a political agenda.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, USA.