In North America, the tradition of Thanksgiving is one of the most meaningful celebrations of the year. It is a secular holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. It began as a celebration of gratitude for the preceding year’s harvest. The origin story about Thanksgiving in America involves the pilgrims and the Native Americans sharing a meal together at harvest – it’s a story meant to communicate the notions of gratitude and generosity.
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Greek culture
Greece may be famed for its sea-faring tradition in exploring, colonizing, and trading in ancient times, but Greece is also a country influenced by traditions of the land – and the harvest is arguably the most important time of the year with regards to the land and human community. It is the time of getting together to reflect on a year gone by and all that the land has offered us and our extended family and community. It is the time for sharing, celebrating, and being grateful – this spirit can be felt by anyone visiting the countryside in Greece and getting to know the people working the land.
Harvest, hospitality, and gratitude in ancient Greece
Looking back at ancient times, the Greeks had a celebration they called “Thesmophoria,” which some refer to as “The Ancient Greek Thanksgiving Celebration.” It was a celebration dedicated to Dimitra, the goddess of harvest and fertility, as well as her daughter Persephone – the ancients recognized that the harvest and gratitude went hand-in-hand were a focal point of social life and prosperity.
Just like modern-day Greeks, the ancients traveled a lot to foreign lands. Meaning they also received many guests and it was a sacred duty, as well as a mark of social standing, to offer hospitality to guests. In the Odyssey, Homer describes King Alcinous of the Phaecians taking actions to ensure that their guest, Odysseus, is shown the proper hospitality. Scholars point to this as Homer exemplifying the Greek concept of “Xenia” which comprises of showing generosity, hospitality, courtesy to guests traveling from afar.
Greek customs of the land have helped shape Greek culture with the harvest being a most prominent event. Numerous harvest customs are found across the Greek mainland and islands, at times tied to the Christian faith. Gratitude for what the land has brought and for the health and wellbeing of the landlord, the family, friends, and those who worked hard to deliver it could be why Thanksgiving resonates with meaning for Diaspora Greeks in North America.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!