Thanksgiving: A Time for Gratitude and Reflection on Greek Mythology

Thanksgiving, a day celebrated primarily in North America, is synonymous with family reunions, lavish feasts, and expressions of gratitude. As we gather together this Thanksgiving, we pause to express gratitude for our blessings and the company of family and friends. Interestingly, though few of us realize it, beyond the plentiful turkey and traditional pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving can also serve as a moment to reflect on its profound correlation with ancient Greek mythology. This connection serves as a reminder that holidays like Thanksgiving are not merely about the physical act of feasting, but also about spiritual reflection and energy enhancement 

The spirit of Thanksgiving resonates with the ancient Greek practice of eucharistia, which translates to “thanksgiving” or “gratitude.” The Greeks often held eucharistia to show their appreciation towards the gods for their blessings. In fact, the very act of giving thanks was personified in the goddess eucharistia, who embodied gratitude. Much like our Thanksgiving, these were occasions for feasting, camaraderie, and reflection.

Three stories in particular—encompassing themes of gratitude, abundance, friendship, and the consequences of greed—bear a surprising resemblance to the values we celebrate on this day.

Let’s travel back in time to ancient Greece, where we encounter Demeter, the revered goddess of nature and agriculture. Known in folklore for her unyielding dedication to the earth’s fertility, Demeter’s tireless efforts brought forth bountiful crops, transforming barren lands into lush, verdant fields capable of sustaining life. The stories tell of her asking nothing in return but respect and share heartfelt gratitude for the natural world she so cherished. This timeless tale presents a striking parallel to our contemporary Thanksgiving tradition. Just as the farmers of ancient Greece paid homage to Demeter, expressing their thankfulness for her gifts of plentiful harvest, we too, pause to appreciate the abundant food that graces our tables during our Thanksgiving feast. Our tradition is not merely about the feasting, it extends to acknowledging and expressing our gratitude for the hardworking individuals—the farmers, the truckers, the grocers, and the cooks—who made it all possible. As we break bread with our loved ones, we are in essence, participating in a ritual of appreciation that spans back thousands of years.

Then, we immerse ourselves in the age-old tale of King Midas, a narrative that profoundly underscores the significance of gratitude over the destructive power of greed. King Midas, bestowed with the uncanny ability to transform anything he touched into gold (aptly named “golden touch”) quickly discovered that his newfound power was more of a curse than a blessing. His insatiable desire for wealth blinded him to the genuinely priceless treasures in his life, ultimately leaving him in a world of golden solitude. As Thanksgiving arrives, the poignant moral of King Midas’s tale takes a prominent place at the forefront of our reflections. Amid the bustling preparations, the deliciously enticing aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey and the vibrant tapestry of a well-set Thanksgiving table, we are reminded to pause and appreciate the intangible, yet invaluable, blessings in our lives.

It’s not the material wealth that enriches our lives but the love that binds us, the health that enables us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, and the warmth and security of our homes that truly matter. Thanksgiving offers us an opportunity to express our appreciation for these significant aspects of our lives. It’s a moment to step away from our pursuits for more, to revel in the abundance we already possess, and to cherish the love and companionship that surround us. This is the essence of Thanksgiving, a holiday that serves as a gentle reminder to honor and treasure the real riches in our lives, far beyond the glittering allure of gold.

Finally, the tale of Damon and Pythias is a profound testament to the power of friendship and the extraordinary act of selflessness. The willingness of Pythias to lay down his life for his friend Damon, coupled with Damon’s unwavering faith in his friend’s return, paints a vivid portrait of the essence of true friendship. As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving amidst our circle of friends, we are in essence, commemorating the enduring spirit of trust and lifelong connections that Damon and Pythias have come to symbolize.

This Thanksgiving, let’s remind ourselves of these timeless Greek myths. As we express our heartfelt appreciation for the abundance of nature, scrutinize our wants, and hold dear our bonds, we unknowingly echo the ancient stories of Demeter, Midas, and Damon and Pythias. So, as we slice into the golden-brown turkey and pass the tangy cranberry sauce, let’s also share these narratives from Oracle of the Mythic Heroes, transforming our Thanksgiving feast into a banquet of gratitude, introspection, and wisdom of the ages. This way, our celebration is not only a feast for our bodies but also a soothing balm for our souls.

Letao Wang, acclaimed author of Oracle of the Mythic Heroes, is a professional astrologist, tarot specialist, and the founder and spiritual counselor of the Healing Kingdom. He has been offering astrology, tarot, and numerology readings to clients in Hong Kong and abroad since 2015. In addition to his services, he shares his insights through Bustle.com's astrology column, where he is a regular contributor.

An excellent marketer and sensitive intuitive, Wang was named the Best Astrologer and Tarot Specialist in 2021 by Hong Kong Most Outstanding Business Award and Spiritual Guide of the Year in 2020 by Hong Kong’s Liv Magazine, and was given the Hong Kong Influencers Award in 2019 and 2020 by Hong Kong Living Magazine. Wang is also a member of the Hong Kong Society of Counseling and Psychology as well as a member of the Australian Counseling Association. His own education includes a master’s in counseling, a master’s in translating and interpreting Chinese and English, an advanced diploma in applied astrology, and a bachelor’s in English.

To learn more, please visit www.thehealingkingdom.com.