Some of you may remember from a previous blog that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and times of year here at Violet Flame World. In our latest Thanksgiving blog we will learn about the early American Pilgrims, their quest for freedom, and how to start becoming a modern-day Pilgrim!
The Origin of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving may not be recognized in every part of the World - but its underlying message is universal – it is a celebration of courage, perseverance, freedom and giving thanks to the Creator.
In the electronic age we now live in, it can be difficult to relate to a world without cell phones, texts, and Zoom meetings. And of course, none of these modern communication tools existed in 1620 when 102 brave Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower from the Netherlands to the New World. They understood it was very unlikely they would see or talk with their friends and loved ones again.
Nathaniel Morton, the keeper of the records of Plymouth Colony, describes what he and other Pilgrims witnessed in 1620 as they prepared to board the Mayflower.
“When they came to Delfs-Haven they found the ship and all things ready, and such of their friends as could not come with them followed after them, and sundry came from Amsterdam to see them shipt, and to take their leaves of them. One night was spent with little sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment and Christian discourse, and other real expressions of true Christian love. The next day they went on board, and their friends with them, where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting, to hear what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other's heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood on the Key as spectators could not refrain from tears. But the tide (which stays for no man) calling them away, that were thus loath to depart, their Reverend Pastor, falling down on his knees, and they all with him, with watery cheeks commended them with the most fervent prayers unto the Lord and His blessing; and then with mutual embraces and many tears they took their leaves one of another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them. Being now passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before them in expectations, they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns to entertain or refresh them, no houses, or much less towns, to repair unto to seek for succour; and for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of the country know them to be sharp and violent, subject to cruel
and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search unknown coasts.”
What could have motivated 102 Pilgrims to leave the relative comfort of the Netherlands and seek out the New World? Most, if not all, were seeking freedom – freedom from religious and personal persecution. It must have taken great courage and faith for these early pilgrims to embark on such a voyage. Indeed, the yearning for personal and religious freedom can be a powerful motivator!
And it was with just such motivation that these 102 men, women, and children left home on the Mayflower – a ship with living quarters of just 80 by 20 feet and a ceiling of about 5 feet high. After 10 grueling weeks at sea, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts on November 21, 1620.
Less than a year later, over 50 of the original Pilgrims had died of disease and other causes; nonetheless, the first Thanksgiving feast was held by the Pilgrims in 1621, a prayer event and dinner to mark the first harvest of the Mayflower settlers. And this is the origin of the American national holiday, Thanksgiving.
Finding Freedom in Modern Times
We can see what hardship and sacrifice the early Pilgrims made to find their freedom. Today, we have a new spirit of freedom available to us – and it is one we can use and experience each day in the comfort of our own homes.
This new spirit of freedom is the violet flame. And it is true, the violet flame is the flame of freedom! It is true because through consistent and heartfelt use of the violet flame you can begin to free yourself from negative karma and transform it into positive karma or energy. And as you become freer you will have more time and desire to help others learn about and achieve the same result. Truly, the violet flame is the greatest gift we can give and share with one another. And that is something for which we can all be thankful!
Most years, when I am around the dinner table at Thanksgiving, we each take turns saying what we are thankful for.
This year, I am thankful for the understanding of the violet flame and the opportunity to give it often. And it is my Thanksgiving prayer that the violet flame will become a household word in every nation – and that even the little children will recognize the violet color and the flame and be taught its right understanding and usage.
Until next time… a blessed and happy Thanksgiving to everyone
Credits
- Painting #1 - The First Thanksgiving by Jennie A. Brownscombe
- Painting #2 - The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris