Days of humiliation and thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1925, Brownscombe

Days of Humiliation and Thanksgiving are specific days appointed by a church or a government for the people to set aside their ordinary work and engage in prayer, fasting (in the case of humiliation), or feasting and thanksgiving to God for blessings received. These days have been observed in various forms throughout Christian history, reflecting local, national, or international circumstances that call for communal reflection, repentance, or celebration.

Origins and History

The practice of designating days for specific religious observance dates back to the Old Testament times, where days of fasting and prayer were observed in response to drought, famine, or military defeat, and days of feasting and joy followed victories or other blessings. In the New Testament, the early Christian Church continued and adapted these practices, often in the context of the Eucharist or other communal gatherings.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, both the Catholic Church and later the Protestant churches established days of humiliation and thanksgiving in response to both local and wider events, such as plagues, wars, and harvests. These days were not only spiritual observances but also served to unite communities and nations in shared experiences of suffering or gratitude.

Observance in Different Countries

England

In England, days of fasting or thanksgiving were proclaimed by the monarch or Parliament particularly during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Notable instances include the annual observance of November 5th as a day of thanksgiving for the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.

United States

The United States has a long tradition of observing days of humiliation and thanksgiving, dating back to the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony who celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated several days for fasting and prayer. President Abraham Lincoln established the last Thursday in November as a national Day of Thanksgiving in 1863, a tradition that continues to this day.

Other Countries

Various other countries have their own traditions of days of humiliation and thanksgiving, often tied to significant historical or religious events. These observances can be found in countries with strong Christian heritage or where Christian communities have played a significant role in national history.

Modern Observances

While the formal proclamation of days of humiliation and thanksgiving has become less common, many Christian communities around the world continue to observe such days, particularly in times of crisis or significant blessing. These observances are often ecumenical or interfaith in nature, reflecting a broader desire for communal solidarity and spiritual reflection.

Criticism and Controversy

Days of humiliation and thanksgiving have not been without their critics. Some argue that such observances can blur the lines between church and state, especially when proclaimed by government authorities. Others question the effectiveness of such days in addressing the underlying causes of national or community challenges.

Conclusion

Days of humiliation and thanksgiving represent a rich tradition within Christian and national histories, offering time for reflection, repentance, and celebration. While their observance has evolved over time, the underlying impulse to collectively turn to a higher power in times of need or abundance remains a powerful aspect of human culture.