Thanksgiving has universal meaning, says Lynn professor
November 20, 2010 · 0 Comments
BOCA RATON — Although only celebrated in America, Thanksgiving has universal meaning, says a Lynn University professor.
People in other cultures don’t celebrate Thanksgiving as Americans do, said Mark Luttio, a professor of religious studies and philosophy at Lynn University who was born and raised in Japan. He pointed out that most religious rituals and traditions worldwide encompass some element of giving thanks – and these traditions are often celebrated around the consumption of food.
“Thanksgiving” in Japan
“In Japan, the fourth Thursday of November is just like any other normal work day,” said Luttio. “However, the very same idea of setting aside time to give thanks does occur the first three days of the New Year (Jan. 1-3).”
“Special food is prepared and families gather from far and wide to spend time together,” said Luttio. “The same thing that occurs around the Thanksgiving table with turkeys in this country occurs in Japan with ‘mochi’ (pounded rice cakes).”
Read more about Luttio and Thanksgiving’s universal meaning on Lynn.edu.
Mark Luttio is an associate professor in Lynn’s College of Liberal Education. He teaches a variety of Dialogues of Belief and Reason courses, including philosophy and religious studies.
Luttio was born in Kyoto, Japan and graduated from high school in Tokyo. He earned a master’s of divinity and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1985.
The professor has an in-depth knowledge of religious studies, traditions and cultures around the world.
