Could Thanksgiving have symbolism greater than that of a turkey on a platter?
Traditionally, the day has become a national holiday of sorts — but what does it now signify and is it time for a new set off customs to be acknowledged?
Presently, Thanksgiving Day seems to have its own multitude of traditions — football games, family gatherings with turkey and pumpkin pie, a timeless TV classic “Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving” and Macy’s parades that conclude with the arrival of Santa Claus.
Thanksgiving is more and more being recognized as the beginning of December’s consumerism and January’s over-indulging events, sometimes followed by remorse and the making of resolutions.
Historically, the tradition of Thanksgiving Day is based upon the celebration of early settlers sharing a feast with the local inhabitants. Other countries and cultures celebrate or recognize similar traditions including being thankful for the bounty of the fall harvest.
The word “thanksgiving” is very motivating as it basically combines the words “thanks” and “giving.”
The word “thanks” as a plural noun has a fairly simple definition, “an expression of gratitude,” with synonyms such as appreciation, cheers, acknowledgment, recognition, realization, awareness and understanding.
The word “giving” is considered a present participle defined as “freely transfer the possession of something to someone without expecting anything in return” with a variety of synonyms including sharing, rendering, bestowing, presenting, contributing and imparting.
Hopefully the following quotation by Roy T. Bennett, the author of “The Light in the Heart,” will provide us with insight to some of the intended meanings associated with the word thanksgiving: “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
When making our selections of traditions at Thanksgiving time, choosing wisely should be foremost and choosing the act of giving to others equally important.
Thanksgiving seems to be meaningfully based around giving and receiving. Therefore, we should provide a modest warm “Thank you!” for what we have been given. And to keep the ritual intact, the thanks should be followed by a sincere “You are welcome!”
Now just might be the time not only to give thanks but also to forgive. We have much to be thankful for and so many opportunities to give and share.
We all should join in making this Thanksgiving a true time of appreciation for what we have received and are receiving and a time for appreciating what we have given and continue to give.
In other words, thanks for giving!
Sammamish resident Larry Crandall is a retired educator and serves on the city’s Planning Commission.
