Thanksgiving is a holiday that is largely associated with the history of the United States and is commonly celebrated as a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year. However, there are some interesting connections between Thanksgiving and pagan traditions that are worth exploring. One connection can be traced back to the origins of the holiday itself. While Thanksgiving is commonly associated with the Pilgrims and their feast with the Native Americans, the concept of giving thanks through feasting and celebration is not unique to these historical events. In fact, many pagan cultures and religions throughout history have celebrated similar rituals of giving thanks for the harvest and abundance of the year. In ancient Rome, for example, there was a festival called the "Ceresalia" that was dedicated to the goddess Ceres, who was the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
In ancient Rome, for example, there was a festival called the "Ceresalia" that was dedicated to the goddess Ceres, who was the goddess of agriculture and fertility. This festival included feasting, parades, and games, all in celebration of the harvest season. Similarly, the ancient Greeks celebrated a festival called the "Thesmophoria" in honor of the goddess Demeter, who was also associated with the harvest.
Author Heather McCorkle
A new novel is beginning to demand my attention which means I have to do something I dread almost as much as writing a synopsis. What could be that bad you wonder? Outlining. To say I'm not a fan of it would be a gross exaggeration. I hate outlining, it sucks. Why do it then? Why not just let my muse guide me and write? Because my instructor at a writer's retreat I attended forced me to write an outline for a book I'd already finished and it made me see the error of my ways. An outline will point out all inconsistencies, plot holes, and blatant mistakes. I realized that if I write one before I write my novel, it reduces my revision process dramatically. So, though I hate it, I write the outline and my novel is far better for it.
A blogging writer friend of mine, Jamie Harrington wrote an adorable post on outlines that changed the way I feel about them. She made outlining fun and~dare I say~easy. Her agent asked her if she outlines her novels. Check out her entertaining answer here: http://www.totallythebomb.com/storysaurus-rocks-face
So if this post is all about outlines what is my picture of a character arc sheet for? Glad you asked. I found that if I fill out a character arc sheet (like my fancy design?) then it makes the outlining process that much easier because I already have an idea of where I want the story to go. I start at the bottom of the sheet and work my way up. Off to the right I put major points of the story that affect the character. In the box I put what the character is feeling and thinking, basically where they are emotionally in the story. As the plot progresses I chart changes in the character. This way I make sure my character actually learns and grows, or the opposite depending on the story. Characters are the heart of your story and their arc is just as important as the story arc. The last thing you want to do is neglect them. Feel free to use my character arc sheet if you like. I hope it helps ease the process for you.
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Comments
This is great! I had a similar experience writing a synopsis for an already completed work—all my plot flaws were completely exposed after the fact.
In Donald Maass' Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook, he also gives a guide for writing an outline that is so helpful.
Thanks for the Character Arc sheet--I plan to use it :-) Reply Delete
I like this plan sheet also. I used something similar, but it took a whole table as I wrote out things that happened to each character.
This is much easier.
I may have to check out Donald Maass' book too.
I'd better hurry up and get reading Donald's book if he talks about outlines! Thanks for the tip Portia!
Thanks Lorelei. I'll let you know how Donald's book turns out.
I'm glad you like the character arc sheet ladies! I hope it makes the process easier for you! Reply Delete
This festival included fasting followed by feasting and was seen as a way to give thanks for the agricultural abundance of the year. These pagan traditions of giving thanks through feasting and celebration can be seen as precursors to the modern concept of Thanksgiving. While the specific religious and cultural contexts of these ancient rituals may be different, the underlying themes of gratitude and abundance are present in both. It is worth noting that the modern celebration of Thanksgiving also has strong religious connections, particularly with Christianity. Many Christians view Thanksgiving as a time to give thanks to God for His blessings, similar to how the ancient pagans gave thanks to their deities for the harvest. This religious aspect of Thanksgiving further highlights the connections between ancient pagan traditions and the modern holiday. In conclusion, while Thanksgiving is widely celebrated as a secular holiday in the United States, there are interesting connections between its traditions and ancient pagan rituals of giving thanks. The underlying themes of gratitude and abundance are present in both, highlighting the universal human desire to express thanks for the blessings of the year..
Reviews for "Ancient Pagan Gods and Thanksgiving Traditions"
1. Sasha - 2 stars - I was very disappointed with "Thanksgiving with pagan connections". As someone who celebrates Thanksgiving as a tradition rooted in history and family, I found the inclusion of pagan connections to be unnecessary and unappealing. It felt like a cheap attempt to spice up a holiday that doesn't need any additional elements. I understand that people have different beliefs and celebrate holidays differently, but I just couldn't connect with this particular interpretation of Thanksgiving.
2. Ryan - 1 star - I regret watching "Thanksgiving with pagan connections". The whole concept seemed bizarre and forced. Thanksgiving is supposed to be about gratitude, family, and a time to come together. I didn't appreciate the attempt to mix pagan elements into a holiday that has a long-standing tradition. It felt disrespectful to the origins and values that Thanksgiving holds for many people. I believe there are better ways to explore spirituality and beliefs without tarnishing a beloved holiday.
3. Emma - 2 stars - "Thanksgiving with pagan connections" missed the mark for me. While I respect the freedom of creativity, I found the inclusion of pagan elements to be a distraction from what Thanksgiving represents. The movie could have explored the theme of inclusivity and different beliefs in a more subtle and meaningful way instead of using strange rituals and traditions that don't naturally align with the holiday. It left me feeling confused and disconnected from the intended message.