Thanksgiving Should Be The Global Holiday

Each country, each culture, and each religion on their planet has its holidays, or perhaps better phrased as ‘holy days.’ They vary in their time, origin, traditions, and significance. We can see different celebrations and some wonderful decorations accompanying them on the streets throughout the year. However, I can’t help but notice a great degree of fragmentation in the Western countries.

Our society is divided, and the division is growing. The United States doesn’t seem to be united anymore, and the problem is not exclusive to only the US. The same can be observed almost universally, with some local specifics, across the West. If only there was a bridge that could bring people together, and do it in good spirit. I believe there is. There is one holiday that could be celebrated across cultures and countries that can bring people together and show us once again that even if we disagree, we can still live together, and with gratitude. It is Thanksgiving.

The Wonderful Origin

American readers probably know the origins of Thanksgiving inside out; other readers, perhaps not so much. I personally consider the origin of Thanksgiving (can it be considered its mythology?) amazing and inspiring. It is half of the reason I consider this particular holiday so wonderful.

The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to the early 17th century when English Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, sailed on the Mayflower to the New World. In 1620, they landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, facing harsh conditions and unfamiliar terrain. With the help of Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe, the Pilgrims learned essential agricultural techniques and formed a symbiotic relationship. In 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated a feast together, expressing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and the sense of community that had developed. This event is often regarded as the first Thanksgiving, symbolizing unity and gratitude in the face of adversity. Over time, Thanksgiving evolved into a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

It is a fact that people who had very little in common — different beliefs, origins, values, and culture — found a way to work together for the common good. There is perhaps no better example of how individuals with different backgrounds and beliefs can find common ground and understanding than the origins of Thanksgiving. We often forget that such unity is possible, and the fourth Thursday of November is a great day to remind ourselves that it indeed is.

Celebration of Gratitude

In our modern society, we take many things for granted, considering them basic standards without thinking about their origins. The truth is, however, that everything we have has been achieved and provided through hard work and sacrifice. We seem to have forgotten how to be grateful. Whether it’s the electricity in our sockets, the gas heating our homes, the petrol running our vehicles, or the food on our tables, they all come from someone’s hard work.

The next time you engage in an argument on Twitter, keep in mind that the person on the other side might work at the electric company, fixing electric poles, and it is thanks to him or her that we have electricity in our homes.

Perhaps the person you blame for all the ills of the world is a farmer who grew the very food now on your table — that is certainly something to be grateful for.

The anonymous Twitter account that angered you so much might be the lovely lady who handed you your wallet that just fell out of your pocket on the street.

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to express gratitude for the people who keep the world running and spinning. Be thankful for the random guy on a bus who wished you a lovely day and made your day just a tiny bit better. There is always someone who deserves gratitude.

The value of gratitude and unity is common across cultures, religions, and countries. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to celebrate just that. It has no religious or cultural boundaries; it can be celebrated by everyone.

There are plenty of (pop-)cultural trends that originated in the United States and spread across the world. Thanksgiving would be one of the finest US exports. Definitely better than Black Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving!