Some fool just published an opinion-piece in the Washington
Post, suggesting that it was time to “put a fork in” the Thanksgiving
tradition of pardoning some turkeys; saying the tradition was “silly”.
First of all - “tradition” and “silly” -- schliesen
sich aus -- anything traditional, is in so far redeemed.
True, the ceremony is typically light-hearted (something we
sorely need, about now), much like the Groundhog Day enactment with Punxsutawney
Phil. Such things need no
defense; cf. Chesterton on
Christmas, passim.
Yet the need goes deeper, deeper, to have this act of Grace.
For that same huge hand, that shaped our sire, and fashioned
our dam -- even Adam, and e’en Eve -- did mould the Humble Woodchuck and his
kin.
That we are permitted to eat of these creatures, we know for certain, from
Scripture; but that fact is a kind
of moral miracle. So it behoves us
to take note, and sanctify, and solemnify, this fleshly sacrifice. (Indeed, it may go deeper than we can
know.) To pardon -- nay, to ask
permission -- to beg forgiveness -- of these modest beasts, is meet; nay more, incumbent on us.
