Our elders have shared the ancient Legend of the Turkey with us, a story that reflects the Great Mystery and its workings for the Eastern People.
In the First World, we existed as pure intelligence, fully aware and connected to each other and the universe. We were beings of energy and light, vibrant in our diversity. However, when we succumbed to greed—taking what was not rightfully ours—we severed this connection. Our desire for more led to feelings of separation and disharmony. We lost track of who we were, and in our attempts to hide from our wrongdoings, we sunk deeper into the physical realm, drifting away from our true Source.
As we moved into the Second World, the cycle of life began anew, and we became increasingly aware of impermanence. Our lives grew unbalanced. Fear and uncertainty took root, and we became estranged from the Creator’s patterns, plunging into suffering. The illusion of separation overshadowed our faith, leaving us adrift in sorrow over our acts of greed and our betrayal of the Creator’s trust.
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With the end of each world, we embark on a journey back to full consciousness and connection with the Creator. Through it all, the Creator has always offered us love and guidance, showing us paths of harmony and truth. We must choose our journey wisely and maintain our faith. There were always wise individuals among us who stayed true and sought to heal, guiding us on the path of return. Despite several attempts by the Creator and various forms of life to assist us in overcoming our shortcomings, humanity repeatedly chose greed and betrayal, disconnecting from relationships established over generations.
With each cycle, more of our relations turned away from us, breaking trust in humanity. Our existence came under threat, and in many instances, the Creator returned us to our beginnings to help us find our way back.
The storytellers were the guardians of our history, providing crucial lessons and messages to help us understand what we have lost.
In times of hunger and hardship, it became the responsibility of the Chiefs to care for their people. One Chief, saddened by the plight of his people, learned that the animals refused to provide for them. The Bear warned, “If you eat me, diseases of the heart will follow, for you have lost your compassion.” The Deer spoke, saying, “Consuming me will result in rheumatism, as you have lost your beauty and grace.” The Rabbit lamented that eating him would lead to forgetfulness and chills that would torment their spirits. Even the Squirrel warned that taking from him would result in illness.
The great animals cursed humanity for forgetting the sacredness of life. They felt that humans no longer held a place of honor within the circle of life and had forgotten to show appreciation before the hunt. Consequently, life became filled with pain for mankind.
During these desperate times, the Chief was expected to lead with integrity and selflessness. He was the protector, ensuring his people were well cared for before attending to his own needs. When the people cried out for help, pleading for him to find a way to fill their bellies, he felt an immense weight on his heart. Many called for war against those who possessed more resources, but the Chief was a man of deep faith. He had always honored the relationships around him and did his best to lead his people back toward a path of righteousness, even in the face of adversity.
As starvation loomed, the Chief prepared himself to hunt for sustenance. He prayed and performed ancient ceremonies to honor all life. Remembering the wisdom of his ancestors, he embarked on a 28-day fast through the forest, seeking guidance. He cried out to the Creator, acknowledging the wickedness of his people for forgetting to appreciate what was given and for hoarding resources. “We war among ourselves for possessions and have let greed overtake our hearts.” Desperate, he offered his own spirit to ensure the survival of his people.
In his time of deep reflection, the trees reminded him of the need for respect towards the Earth, which holds endless compassion and healing. The Chief lay on the ground, pouring out his heart to the Earth Mother. He promised to live by the law of respect if she would help him and his people. He shed tears that nourished the soil, renewing the connection that had been lost.
In response, the Earth Mother spoke to the Chief, urging him to honor this new covenant. She told him to appreciate everything life offers and to hold his word as precious as his next breath.
The Creator watched and saw the Chief’s genuine love for life, lifting him into the “Dream Time Lodge” to commune with the great Chieftains of the Elder Fires.
In this sacred space, the Chief received a vision of a Turkey. Its color mirrored the Earth, symbolizing a safe gift from the Creator for his people to eat. Its shiny feathers sparkled like stars in a midnight sky, embodying the beauty of life and the Sky Nations.
The Chief recognized this Turkey as a sign of hope for his people to reconnect with the Earth and the Creator. This marked the beginning of a path toward healing and regaining the respect that had long been forgotten.Once, there was a noble bird known as the “Turkey,” who walked with great dignity. The wise “Chief” was struck by the beauty of this creature, especially when the Turkey spread its tail feathers, resembling a ceremonial fan. The Chief realized that this sacred fan would help the people regain their strength and find dignity once more.
As the Turkey danced, its wings spread out toward the ground, the Chief pondered how his people would accept the idea of eating such a sacred being. He thought it essential for the Turkey to communicate its purpose to the people as a gift.
Suddenly, the Turkey looked at the Chief and said, “I have been given to you for one purpose: to feed you. Your prayers and deeds are pure. My body will provide you with energy, and my feathers will inspire you with love. My bones will serve as tools, connecting the material world to the spiritual. By making an offering of my bones to the sacred fire, I will return whenever you need me. Remember, my message is one of love and trust. The One That Is In All Things calls upon you to live in peace and create beauty. We are all connected.”
Hearing this, the Chief shared his concerns with the Turkey. “My people may be afraid to eat such a sacred creature. They no longer understand their heritage and may struggle to embrace this gift.” The Turkey understood and insisted they return to the people, who were growing weaker by the day.
When the Chief returned to his camp, he made an offering of cornmeal. The Turkey eagerly ate the cornmeal and followed the Chief back to the people, growing noticeably plump in the process.
Upon arrival, the Chief shared that a sacred bird had come as a gift for food. The Clan Mother observed the Turkey’s noble demeanor but was hesitant. “We can no longer trust our leaders. Eating such a beautiful bird—one of Creator’s messengers—seems wrong.”
The Chief explained his vision and how the Turkey had begun to eat the cornmeal he had offered. As the Turkey approached, it showed no fear, unlike other animals. The Clan Mother was mesmerized by its colors and the way it danced. When the Turkey boldly declared, “Gobble me up,” the Chief was astonished. Hearing the Turkey speak made the people more willing to accept the feast.
Following the Turkey’s guidance, they prepared the bird with spices and herbs, such as garlic for surrendering to the sacred, cinnamon for procreation, and honey for sweetness and serenity. After roasting, the Clan Mother joyfully carved the turkey, ensuring not to break any bones. Everyone was invited to join, and the Chief always ensured that all members of the community had eaten before he did.
After serving everyone, the Clan Mother returned to find that the Turkey had replenished itself entirely. The Chief and his family enjoyed a feast that was healing and humbling.
Throughout the seasons, the people continued to eat from the Turkey, giving thanks and using every part of it, cherishing its complete gift. They each received a turkey feather as a token of gratitude.
One day, the Clan Mother discovered two eggs, which she understood to be gifts from the sacred bird. She cared for the eggs with love, singing and nurturing them. Eventually, the first egg hatched into a Hen, symbolizing the inner beauty of women, while the second egg revealed a male, reminding men of their role in harmony with nature.
From then on, people ate abundantly and shared their blessings every day. They celebrated their connections and friendships through feasts. The Woodland Peoples designated a special gathering called the “Feast of Friendship,” which we now know as Thanksgiving. It became a time for everyone to come together, share food, and welcome newcomers.
The Turkey remained a sacred symbol for the people, representing innocence, compassion, and trust. It called upon them to live with respect, ensuring that the teachings of their Elders continued to guide them. And that’s how the tradition of Thanksgiving was born, cherished through generations.
