Thanksgiving And Its Significance

Thursday, November 25, 2010, 17:16

Thanksgiving is not just the festival of America but there is more to it than it being called just a “Harvest Festival". It is said that contentment is the greatest happiness in life so it is always right to thank all those who have been responsible for what we are today. Thanksgiving is the festival of remembering people who sacrificed their lives for our well being. According to Linda Coombs,

"Thanksgiving is celebrated at the expense of Native People who had to give up their lands and culture for America to become what it is today."
Linda Coombs, Aquinnah Wampanoag, 1997
It gives great pleasure to people when their work is recognized. When a person is expressed by two beautiful words “Thank You", it will motivate him to help more and for the one who thanks others will get the satisfaction of recognizing the other person's favor. It is said that the two words are the top of all virtues in the world.

According to the traditional significance of thanksgiving, the festival is mainly celebrated to thank god for the good harvest he has given and is praised through various hymns and prayers. But now, thanksgiving is not just the festival of American countries but is celebrated and rejoiced all around the globe.

It is important for kids to know the idea and significance behind the thanksgiving celebrations as they should be aware of the emotions and sensitivities related to the festival.

Significance Of Thanksgiving -

Family Bonding : The main significance of Thanksgiving is that it is the festival of bondage between family members. The children are told various stories by the elders of the family. They are thought family values and respect to elders. The idea of living, eating and praying together. The relatives who stay away also come down to meet the members of the family and celebrate the oneness with delicious food. Special recipes are prepared and are rejoiced together with dance and other amusements.

Cooking meal : On the festive day, the family enjoys home cooked delicious food n contrast with the other festivals where canned food are bought from restaurants.

Family values and festive traditions – The main importance of Thanksgiving is that it is the day where family members are together. The members dance, sing, cook, play games and do various activities together. It is the day of fun and rejoicement as well as the day to imbibe values and festive traditions in small ones.

Meaning of life: Thanksgiving is the day where elders in the family teach children on how to lead life and the importance of living. The elders narrate their bitter experiences and hardships that they faced to get to what they presently are. The elders educate their young ones on how to shape their future living.

Thanking day: It is not only the day to thank the almighty but also the day to thank parents and elders who have been there in every ups and downs of life.

It is important for kids to know that thanksgiving day is not just a national holiday but has so much significance added to it that makes it the most celebrated festival worldwide.