Matters of Faith
A Look at the Origins and Meaning of Thanksgiving
Church of St. William to host Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Nov. 21.
By Father John W. Hanley, OMI We will soon celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Since the earliest days of our nation, citizens have gathered to give thanks to God for the blessings of the year. But, thanksgiving celebrations did not begin with the United States. Indeed, from the very dawn of civilization, celebrations have been held to honor the gods who so blessed the people. The ancient Greeks celebrated the feast of Thesmosphoria, to honor Demeter, the goddess of corn. The Romans celebrated the harvest festival of Cerelia, their goddess of corn. The ancient Chinese celebrated a harvest feast called Chung Chui, as thanksgiving to the gods for military victories and the harvest. The Jewish people celebrate even to this very day the …
