Let's Talk Turkey

Dear Readers,

This posting is in a different style so I may personally wish everyone the most Blessed Thanksgiving! I thank all of you for being a part of SoBoBo’s success. Finding the right words is at times difficult to let others know how we feel, and this is one of those times. It is truly an honor to receive each of you as you enter the door of SoBoBo. An honor to work with all artists and artisans who have made SoBoBo a lively, ecclectic place where unique truly meets sublime and, it goes without saying, an honor to speak with each guest about the art work and their creators. An honor to bring to everyone a chance to experience art to its fullest.

I am preparing the Gallery for a new and exciting exhibit for the Holiday Season(s). We will be open the day after Thanksgiving from 2:00 pm until 9:30 pm. As I write this announcement of the hours, I see how we can easily get into a habitual groove of going on with our lives forgetting the true meaning of each holiday celebration that should be practiced at all times.

We all know of how the Native Americans had given the gift of acceptance to the Pilgrims so that they may survive the harshness of the New England winters in the 1600’s. But what most don’t know is the true meaning of this act that was made. The “give-away” – what the Native Americans so generously sacrificed for “strangers” so that the whole of all people’s needs were met, they had included the new people in the whole!

As we approach Thursday, November 26th, we rush around buying tablecloths, napkins, dishes, glasses, utensils to eat with and we mustn’t forget the food, especially, Turkey– all of it to make our place ready for our families and friends to sit at the table eating together, perhaps for some, the only day of the year, Thanksgiving.

In each of our own cultures we have traditions that we practice every year. One may be asking each person at the table to state what they are thankful for ‘GIVING THANKS’(as most of us were taught Thanksgiving meant.) Of course all of us are thankful for what we have received, i.e., the new job we attained, the house we live in, the food on the table.

So in thinking of what we are thankful for, perhaps we should give THANKS for the GIVING of what we have. We are always thankful for what we have received, but are we ever thankful for the sacrifice it took to receive the giving or “give-away?” For instance: Are we thankful for the giving or offering of the job we attained – we usually state, “I got the job” not thinking what goes on behind the scenes (maybe someone lost their job). What about the mortgage to buy the house, or Turkey who gives its life for our celebration.

A “give-away” is better explained by Jamie Sams and David Carson authors of “Medicine Cards” which explains a culmination of several Native American tribal traditions and beliefs.

“Simply stated, it is (the give-away) the deep and abiding recognition of the sacrifices of both self and others.” “Spectators (or outsiders looking in) unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon of the potlatch or give-away ceremony are often mystified by it. A tribal member may gladly give away all he or she owns, and do without in order to help the People. In present-day urban life, we are taught to acquire and get ahead. The person with the most toys wins the game. In some cultures, no one can win the game unless the whole of the People’s needs are met. A person who claims more than his or her share is looked upon as selfish or crazy or both. The poor, the aged, and the feeble have honor. The person who gives away the most and carries the burdens of the People is one of the most respected.”

This type of “medicine” is called Turkey Medicine. Many saints and mystics carry this medicine with them for it rests in true ego, enlightenment. It is a known fact that those who carry this with them have many virtues, they have transcended, they become advocates – aspiring to help those in need of help. (summarization - Medicine Cards, page 161) “Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that all life is sacred.” (Medicine Cards; page 161) It is also an acknowledgement of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A memorable statement by President John F. Kennedy. “Doing unto others and feeding the people is the message of all true spiritual systems.” (Medicine Cards pg. 161-162)

So when you see Turkey walking across the street, or eating its dinner along the roadside, or sitting on your table prepared for Thanksgiving Dinner - remember you are about to receive a gift or are being given a gift. It could be represented spiritually, materially, or even intellectually. “No matter the size of the gift, we should never consider it to be insignificant. Some gifts we consider so simple as a sunrise/sunset, but yet what happens with Earth as a whole to attain this amazing sight truly isn’t as simple as you would think. It could also mean ”… you just won the lottery, “ or “…you may feel the “SPIRIT OF GIVING” growing within you, and wanting you to share with others!” (Medicine Cards pg. 162)

“You must remember NEVER GIVE TO RECEIVE. It is manipulation.” (Medicine Cards pg. 162) Giving should be without regret. It should be given with goodness “…and a joyful heart, or the “give-away” has lost its true meaning.” (summarized Medicine Cards pg. 162)
So as the Native Americans gave the gift of acceptance and the “give-away” so that the Pilgrims may have sustenance and live, remember “…in Turkey’s death we have our life…Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that ALL LIFE IS SACRED.” (Medicine Cards; page 161) This means no matter what race, ethnicity, creed or gender we as humans are as well as, all creatures and plant life, great and small that live.

The Thanksgiving tradition of having Turkey for dinner has more meaning now than we thought. It wasn’t because of the fact it was the only animal around to kill and eat during the 1600’s as we were taught. Knowing of the Native Americans’ “give-away” of giving of their own harvest to help the strangers endure the savage winters, acceptance, and having THANKS for Turkey GIVING of him or herself now makes sense as to the reason for Turkey dinners on this holiday, because it seems we have “accepted” the Native Americans’ belief of Turkey medicine through their teaching, without realizing it! As we greet each family member, friends, co-workers, even the strangers we pass on the street, remember to be thankful for the sacrifices all have given to make our lives better. In one word - THANKSGIVING.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING. . .and realize the anticipation of the “Spirit of Giving!” that is deeply seeded in each of us. It is time to let it come to the forefront, and don’t hold back for fear of embarassment because satisfaction will be felt, satisfying our egos, bringing us a bit closer to living in harmony.

PEACE!