“The Christians and the Pagans” by Dar Williams is the Peace Song of the Day for Thanksgiving, November 24th. (Don’t worry! It’s a funny song. And, the Christians and Pagans get along, eventually…)
Peace Couple is all about shopping in more compassionate ways, and, learning to gradually change your habits to be more just and sustainable. For Thanksgiving, you could move towards a vegetarian or vegan diet, by opting for a Turkey-Free Thanksgiving.
For Thanksgiving 2011, Kimberly and Ian celebrated a Turkey-Free Thanksgiving on Long Island, with their friends from Healthy Planet. There are photos at our Peace Couple Flickr: here.
We also wanted to share some tips about vegetarian or vegan dishes for Thanksgiving.
First of all, you can think out of the box. You do not need a pretend turkey to have a vegetarian Thanksgiving. There are plenty of delicious foods with protein, and plenty of side dishes to conjure up old memories and tradition.
Though, if you feel the need for a turkey-like dish, or, if you are cooking, and you know that your friends and family will expect “a turkey”, then there are suggestions, with ratings in an article at Slate Magazine: here.
Slate used a rating system based on appearance, meatiness, and overall taste. I think it is useful to list the non-turkey options they reviewed. And, their ratings might be especially useful if you are serving to folks who are not vegetarians. Though, I have to say, I disagree a bit on the Slate summary of the “Field Roast Stuffed Celebration Roast” — it is one of my favorite meals. And, it looks pretty good if you rub some oil and spices on it!
List of “alternate turkey” choices from Slate Magazine:
War by Edwin Starr is the Peace Song of the Day for Monday, November 21st. Singing this song will open up your chakras, and help you get emotionally fierce about war and peace!
“Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya” is the Peace Song of the Day for Sunday, November 20th. It is an old Irish tune, that is very anti-war. You can find the lyrics to this song in the Rise Up Singing songbook, on page 161.
Ironically, an American composer used the Irish song as the basis for “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again”, which became a Civil War tune, to long for and welcome back soldiers. The words to “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” are not pointedly political. Though, it has been used as a patriotic tune, and a tribute to veterans. So, the two songs are very different. And, the boldest, most antiwar version came first.
Video: “Johnny I Hardly Knew You” sung by Malachy McCourt at a 2003 rally: