Green Friday at Okehocking Preserve (Willistown, PA)
The celebration included birding walks and a Lenape program of music, storytelling, and games, to honor the roots of the thanksgiving tradition.
The core philosophy of the Lenape culture was to always give thanks for what they received, and to honor and respect the sources of their wealth. The character of the Misingw - "solid face mask" - was the protector of the animals and the woods, and was responsible for maintaining balance and harmony; if a hunter didn't give thanks and respect for what he took, the Misingw would hide the animals from him on the next hunt! Ceremonies were held to invite the Misingw, to encourage success and happiness in the village.
