Looking down at the first table full of food since their arrival, the Pilgrims who came to the New World had plenty for which to be thankful.  Their asses saved by Native hospitality, these petitioners and summoners and lawyers and doctors of bold political ideas, deep religious convictions and near-zero practical experience living in the wilderness made an American tradition of the good fortune of having generous neighbors.  Back in their homeland, these “pilgrims” were derided as fools on a fool’s errand – religious wackadoos with little idea of just how green the grass was on the other side of the ocean.

Were it not for the sacrifice of the original tenants of Massachusetts and Virginia, the British scoffing would have most certainly been proved true.

Nearly four centuries later, pilgrims continue to give their thanks.  Millions of Muslims are doing their duty this week on hajj, the annual obligation to travel to Mecca and participate in Islam’s fifth pillar.  This year’s spiritual journey is particularly poignant, following widespread economic collapse and the approaching anniversary of the invasion of Gaza.  Such occasions are important on hajj as the pilgrimage is as much an affirmation of solidarity with one’s fellow Muslims as it is a solemn submission to God.  It is as much a dedication to one another as it is a dedication to one’s faith.

It is also a celebration of hospitality, a tradition still prized in a religion formed in a desert.  Saudis and Egyptians open their arms, their wallets and their homes in the embrace of hajji from around the world, a courtesy they – like the Native Americans who saved the colonies that would become the United States – view not as a burden, but as a duty.

They, too, will feast to give thanks for the sacrifice of others.  Celebrating the Eid al-Adha, bread will be broken by those pilgrims to commemorate Abraham -  the fabled father of all Jews, Muslims and Christians – for his willingness to sacrifice his own son at his Lord’s wish.  Indeed the translation means “Festival of Sacrifice,” it is the most biggest meal of the year and one every Muslim strives to share with his or her neighbors.  The tradition obligates every Muslim to do his or her best to see that no impoverished person goes without sharing in the meal.

The traditions of man have a funny way of being similar around the world and, a few years in every lifetime, they even line up on the calendar.  From Medina to Massachusetts this weekend, families will congregate around full tables, each filled from toe to tip with gratitude for the bounty of food and family that lay before them.  They will gorge themselves with an excess that only comes annually, watch a little football, and forgive – if only for a day – the minor trespasses their neighbors as the men who made those traditions did before them.

One can hope after this weekend passes and our stomachs become empty again, some small part of these traditions can carry us into the next decade.  That we can honor one another in the thanks that we give.

» You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.