With the holiday season often bombarding us with consumerism and idealized family gatherings, many of us are left questioning the authenticity of these celebrations. If you find yourself feeling disconnected from the traditional holiday experience, especially Thanksgiving, you’re not alone. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the National Day of Mourning, an alternative holiday that can offer a more mindful and meaningful approach to commemorating our shared history.
The Roots of National Day of Mourning
Historical Background: The Essence and Necessity of Remembering
The National Day of Mourning takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, intentionally coinciding with the American holiday of Thanksgiving. It originated within the Native American communities in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and serves to commemorate the loss, suffering, and exploitation experienced by indigenous people due to European colonization.
Why Remembering the Past Is Crucial
So, why should we care about an event that questions a deeply embedded American holiday? The answer lies in the power of memory and its role in shaping our collective future. George Santayana’s often-quoted saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” holds immense weight here.
When we overlook or gloss over the painful aspects of our history, we run the risk of perpetuating harmful behaviors and policies. Our decision-making, consciously or subconsciously, is influenced by what we believe to be our ‘heritage’ or ‘legacy.’ Ignoring the darker aspects of that legacy can lead to the repetition of past wrongs. In essence, understanding the events that led to the National Day of Mourning provides a fuller, more nuanced perspective on American history. This, in turn, informs better decisions about social justice, policy, and communal relations moving forward.
History is not just a record of the past; it’s a roadmap for the future. And without acknowledging the struggles and injustices faced by indigenous communities, we risk whitewashing our collective story, thereby robbing ourselves of the chance for real, meaningful progress.
By participating in the National Day of Mourning, we engage in a conscious act of remembrance that serves as both a tribute and a warning. It’s an invitation to look critically at the stories we tell ourselves about who we are as a nation and as individuals, thereby shaping a more honest, equitable future.
So, as you ponder how to make your holidays more intentional and meaningful, consider this alternative celebration as a starting point for deeper engagement with our shared history, our present complexities, and our collective future.
The Sociological Importance
From a sociological standpoint, the National Day of Mourning brings attention to the power dynamics between ethnic and cultural groups in our society. It’s a moment for reflection on collective memory and communal loss—two themes heavily researched in the realm of sociology, such as in the work “Collective Memory and Cultural Identity” by Jan Assmann.
Pagan Culture and Influence
Before Christianity became prevalent, ancient pagan practices deeply revered the cycles of life and death. Events like Samhain, and later adaptations like All Souls’ Day, offer us clues about how ancient cultures processed collective grief and loss. They remind us that mourning is a communal experience, deeply ingrained in human history.
Celebrating National Day of Mourning Intentionally
A Simple Method: Silent Candlelit Vigil
Time Required:
15-20 minutes
Supplies Needed:
- One candle (scented or unscented, as you prefer)
- A lighter or matches
- A quiet, comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed
- Optional: a cushion or chair to sit on
Procedure:
- Prepare your quiet space by clearing away distractions and setting your candle on a stable surface.
- Light the candle with your lighter or matches.
- Sit comfortably, either on a cushion or chair, facing the candle.
- Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
- Focus your gaze on the flame for 15-20 minutes. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to the flame.
What You Should Get Out of the Experience:
This silent candlelit vigil serves as a simple yet profound way to commemorate the National Day of Mourning. By dedicating a small pocket of time to turn inward, you’re doing more than just engaging in quiet contemplation. You’re actively acknowledging the sufferings and losses of Native American communities, even if in a small way. The act serves as both a personal meditation and a collective acknowledgment, marrying the individual and the communal in a serene, emotional moment.
This form of quiet vigil has its roots in many spiritual traditions and serves to foster a sense of peace and mindfulness. You’ll likely walk away from this experience with a renewed sense of connection to a collective conscience and perhaps even an increased sense of social responsibility.
Whether done alone or with family members—imagine each person lighting their own candle—the practice can introduce even the youngest among us to the notion that meaningful reflection isn’t reserved for adults; it’s a human activity that adds depth to our lives at any age.
An Elaborate Method: Community Event with Indigenous Storytelling, Documentaries, and Fundraising
Time Required:
4-6 hours (or a full day if you’re up for it!)
Supplies Needed:
- A venue (could be your living room, community hall, or an online platform for virtual gatherings)
- Projector and screen for documentaries
- Comfortable seating arrangements
- Snacks and refreshments
- Optional: PA system for better audio during storytelling or discussions
Procedure:
- Decide on the venue and make the necessary preparations. If you’re hosting it at home, make sure your living room is cozy and accommodating.
- Select a list of documentaries and books that offer an in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding the National Day of Mourning.
- Recommended Documentaries: “The Canary Effect,” “Reel Injun,” and “This Land Is Our Land: The Fight to Rebuild the Blackfeet Nation”
- Recommended Books: “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and “The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America” by James Wilson.
- Invite local Native American storytellers, artists, or activists, if possible, to share their perspectives.
- Schedule the event, leaving time for watching documentaries, discussions, and breaks.
- Optional: Set up a fundraising station to contribute to a relevant cause, such as the Native American Rights Fund.
What You Should Get Out of the Experience:
Hosting this elaborate community event aims to be a full-spectrum educational experience. By engaging with documentaries and books, you and your guests will gain a nuanced understanding of the historical, sociological, and even the emotional significance of the National Day of Mourning.
This gathering serves as a fertile ground for dialogues about the complexities of colonization and its long-term effects. As you watch, read, and discuss together, you’re building not just awareness but also a community committed to understanding and activism. And let’s not forget the fundraising aspect. By dedicating your time and resources, you’re making a tangible contribution to a cause that aligns with the spirit of the day.
The event becomes a unique blend of learning and action, offering a holistic approach to understanding the importance of this alternative holiday. Given the richness of the content and the collective experience, you and your community will likely come away feeling more connected, more informed, and perhaps more committed to contributing positively to society.
So gather your friends, colleagues, or neighbors for this deep-dive into a day that challenges us to reflect, understand, and act. It’s not just about breaking the routine; it’s about enriching our understanding of the world we live in.
Why Choose This Over Traditional Holidays?
Uniqueness
The blend of history, sociology, and biology behind the National Day of Mourning offers a holistic perspective that can be both enlightening and spiritually fulfilling. It also provides a socially-aware alternative for those disillusioned by mainstream holidays.
Personal Experience
Having grown up celebrating traditional Christian holidays, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and connection through alternative celebrations like the National Day of Mourning. I won’t forget how my family and I shared a quiet moment during our first candlelit vigil. It was a tiny, funny little moment with my puppy trying to bite the lit candle, but it was hilarious and made us all more aware of the importance of acknowledging our shared history.
Wrapping up
Whether you’re a lone wolf or part of a pack, the National Day of Mourning offers meaningful ways to engage with your inner self and the community at large. It challenges us to be better informed and more compassionate, and it does so with the backing of multiple disciplines like history, sociology, and biology. So, as you ponder how to make your holidays more meaningful, consider giving this alternative celebration a try. You may find a richer, more fulfilling way to connect with both history and humanity.
Additional Resources
For those interested, I’ve included these recommendations in my Alternative Holidays Calendar, available for purchase. Also, consider reading works like “The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America” by James Wilson for a deeper understanding.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery and intention. Until next time, be well and keep questioning.