The Reason Behind the Rejection of Thanksgiving in the Philippines in 1965
Every country celebrates unique holidays, each with its significance and cultural context. Over time, these holidays can change, sometimes impacting the frequency and vitality of their celebration. One such instance comes from the history of the Philippines, where Thanksgiving had a brief moment of recognition before facing a significant setback. In 1965, the celebration of Thanksgiving in the Philippines was effectively ceased. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, the resurgence of the holiday under Ferdinand Marcos, and the lasting impacts of this change.
Unlike our focus here, other holidays in the Philippines are regularly adjusted based on the current president's discretion, leading to a dynamic and sometimes variable holiday calendar. This flexibility often faced criticisms, with some presidents considering the proliferation of holidays and fiestas as a burden.
Why It Stopped: The Decision in 1965
In 1965, then-president Diosdado Macapagal made the decision to stop celebrating Thanksgiving across the nation. Macapagal believed that the Philippines was already saturated with holidays and fiestas. His decision to end the national celebration of Thanksgiving was a bold move aimed at streamlining the holiday calendar to focus on more significant cultural and historical events.
Temporary Resurgence: Ferdinand Marcos and Martial Law
Thanksgiving saw a brief renaissance when it was reinstated by Ferdinand Marcos in 1972, coinciding with the implementation of Martial Law in the Philippines. While the exact reasons behind Marcos' decision are complex and multifaceted, it's important to note that this revival was intertwined with the broader political context of the time.
Martial Law, declared in 1972, brought a series of significant changes to the political landscape in the Philippines. Under Marcos' rule, martial law was imposed to maintain order, but it also had a chilling effect on civil liberties and political activism. In this environment, the resurgence of Thanksgiving was likely seen as an attempt to celebrate American values and heritage, which might have resonated with some Filipinos during this challenging period.
The Legacies of 1986 and Beyond
The turning point came in 1986 when Ferdinand Marcos was overthrown in the EDSA Revolution. After Marcos' fall, the association between Thanksgiving and his regime and the era of martial law faded. The celebration of Thanksgiving in the Philippines never fully recovered from this period and was largely overshadowed by other traditions and events.
The years since 1986 have seen the Philippines adopting various practices from other cultures, including some American cultural forms. For instance, activities like trick or treating have become popular particularly in urban areas, showcasing the gradual incorporation of Western customs into the local lifestyle.
Conclusion
The cessation of Thanksgiving in the Philippines in 1965 and its subsequent revival under Ferdinand Marcos reflects the complex political and social dynamics of a nation navigating its identity. The enduring absence of Thanksgiving in the national calendar is a testament to the lasting impacts of the Marcos regime and the broader context of political transitions in the Philippines. As the Philippines continues to evolve, the holiday landscape may shift once again, mirroring the ongoing changes in the country's cultural and political discourse.
Keywords: Thanksgiving in Philippines, Philippine holidays, Marcos regime