Bozho nikanek
(Hello friends),
You probably guessed from the last article I have been doing research on special days in each month. November was no exception. In my research, I discovered 30 holidays you wouldn’t even think about, and I chose a few you may find significant or amusing.
From last month’s article, I actually heard people talking like Vikings on National Vikings Day. I wasn’t even aware there was such a day. For November, in addition to the usual Thanksgiving holiday we hold so dear, there are other special days.
Nov. 1 is All Saints Day. It recognizes the Christian saints. More than 10,000 are celebrated. The holiday was originally recognized as Allhallowmas. May was the first celebration. Many religious leaders thought it was too close to Allhallows Eve and Día de los Muertos and wanted to downplay Halloween.
It reminded me of the honoring of families and ancestors the last weekend in June at the Citizen Potawatomi’s celebration.
Here’s another wonderful day for you men. Don’t use the fact that you received this information too late. You can always make up for it on the second Thursday of November.
First Thursday of November is National Men Make Dinner Day. Back in the day, women did the majority of the cooking and, in some households, they still do. They felt it was not only important for men to learn to cook, but it gave women a day off in the kitchen. It was also called “Make your Wife Dinner Day.” As I understand it, this isn’t open a can of soup day, rather a formal meal. I really like this one. Now go out there and show your significant other how important they are by preparing their favorite meal.
Nov. 4 is King Tut Day. King Tutankhamen inherited the title at age nine. He served as King for 10 years and died at age 19. In 1922, his tomb was discovered in the Valley of Kings. It is suggested you can celebrate the holiday by learning more about Egyptian history.
Depending on your age you may remember there was a song called “Walk like an Egyptian.” You could try that! Some of the dances today do resemble the gestures.
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. It was originally established in 1921 as Armistice Day. President Dwight Eisenhower changed it to Veterans Day in 1954.
I think of all the holidays, remembrances and honorable acknowledgments this has to be one of the most significant. This is the day we honor those in all wars serving now, or in the past securing our country, its people and our flag.
We have the Veterans Wall of Honor at the Cultural Heritage Center for our Native American Military, past and present. If you have any old photos of your family or yourself, please allow them to be displayed and honored along with other deserving soldiers.
Let’s honor our soldiers with a moment of silence on that day. For all, they do it is a small but mighty gesture.
Nov. 13 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It originated from a group in Japan who wanted to establish a day of random kindnesses and thus create a better world to live in. What a concept! We have taken this holiday and made it ours, as have other countries. Some say “pay it forward.” Do something on this day that is unexpected to help another. You will be amazed at how it makes you feel.
Nov. 13 is National Indian Pudding Day, a day to enjoy Native American Indian pudding.
You can get the recipe for your Thanksgiving Day which consists of cornmeal, molasses, and some add apples, cinnamon with other spices. The recipe has evolved and there are several ways to put it together today.
Nov. 20 is International Children’s Day. It began in 1954 and continues today. McDonald’s holds fundraisers for their charities with the focus being children. The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences holds fundraisers additionally for the RMHC. They are our future and for each parent an extension of your family.
Nov. 23 is Thanksgiving. We save the best for last. The first Thanksgiving was in 1621 and lasted three days. It was a time of harvest, feasting, celebration, prayer and thanking the Creator for bountiful crops. Like then, we still celebrate today’s holiday with a feast and with friends and family.
We give thanks to the Creator for the many gifts provided us on a daily basis, our health, wellbeing, and abundant blessings. It has become the day your family gathers to enjoy a wonderful meal attended to by many. You will laugh about the good ole days, stories and the growing up moments that are embedded in your mind. It is the time to go back to your roots and thank God you have roots and people who love you.
We know where our roots are, the families that embody the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s original families. It is what connects us today. We as a Nation have been so blessed with wonderful employees that keep us moving forward, enrolled members of CPN who are proud to be native.
So as you enjoy your turkey dinner, remember the good things and all it represents to you. Remember the wonderful, plentiful, abundant life we have and where it came from.
I give thanks for you in allowing me to serve and know you are loved.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Your Legislator,
Eunice Imogene Lambert
Legislator, District 5
euniceilambert@gmail.com
480-228-6569