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Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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BookReaderUSA
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Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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I think it's a mix of secular and religious traditions. What do you think? In addition, what are some Thanksgiving books that you recommend?
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CoolSummer

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Re: Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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Personally I believe Thanksgiving is primarily a family holiday now. A time for us to come together to enjoy a feast and give thanks for life's blessings. My family doesn't attend church on this day as they would Christmas and Easter. I did look it up on Wikipedia for you though. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
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Re: Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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I learned in college, I believe, that Thanksgiving was started for political purposes--to unite the country as a whole. Over the years it's become a cultural tradition among most ethnicities and religious groups, in all regions of the country. I wouldn't say it's religious per say... It's more political, social and traditional, in my mind. Then again, I'm not overly religious.


EDIT: *clicking on Wikipedia link* Very interesting... I suppose in religious circles (e.g., towns, families) it's religious and among secular people, such as myself, it's more social/traditional/political...
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Re: Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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BookReaderUSA wrote:I think it's a mix of secular and religious traditions. What do you think? In addition, what are some Thanksgiving books that you recommend?
It's a secular holiday only, but it's easy for religious people to use it for religious purposes.

I don't think I've ever read a Thanksgiving book.
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Re: Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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I wouldn't classify Thanksgiving as a religious holiday at all. My soon to be in laws pray over dinner on Thanksgiving but that is the only sign I've seen that has to do with religion. It is a time to be thankful in general and be with family.
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Re: Is Thanksgiving a religious or cultural holiday?

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I'd say it was cultural in that the Pilgrims learned how to get along with the local Indians. With the help of Indians they were able to plant corn and have a successful harvest and ended up celebrating it with the first Thanksgiving.
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