The original Thanksgiving began with the English colonizers; the relationship between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. But the credit goes to Washington and Lincoln for making Thanksgiving in the United States known and official. Let’s travel together into the past, specifically to the year 1621.
Thanksgiving Background: The Beginning
A small ship known as the “Mayflower” carrying 102 passengers left Plymouth, England in September of 1620. The reason behind them leaving was to fulfill their desire to seek a new beginning – new land where they can freely practice their faith. With an approximation of a hundred people, the majority of these people were seeking religious freedom from the Church of England while others were under the persuasion of prosperity and land ownership. in what was known as the “New World”. The “New World” pertains to the opening of trade routes and opportunities to the countries of Europe. Additionally, in order to establish themselves as a legitimate colony in the “New World”, passengers on the Mayflower drafted and signed a document they called the Mayflower Compact promising to create a democracy governed by elected officials; a beginning for future colonists seeking independence from the British.
After a troublesome venture lasting 66 days, the ship lands on the shores of Cape Cod (now known as Massachusetts). Then, a scouting party moves. That December, the group lands at Plymouth Harbor. This is where the formation of the first Europeans settled in New England. Serving again as a background, “New England” is now known as the northern area (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut). Currently, the name that is for the settlers of the Plymouth Colony today is “Pilgrims”.
The Return of Squanto
Interestingly, the original Thanksgiving background is far from being problem-free. Its history has more than just the big meal depicted in books and movies today. In fact, it leans more towards death and conflicts. Many colonists remained on the ship because of the brutal Winter season at the time of their arrival. This then led to only half of the Mayflower’s passengers surviving through the season of Spring because of a contagious disease. However, in March, the settlers, known as pilgrims, began moving ashore where they met an Abenaki Native American, Samoset, who was able to greet them in English.
A few days passed, and Samoset then returned with another Native American known as Squanto, a member of the Paxtuxet tribe who plays a crucial part in our Thanksgiving background. Squanto was kidnapped by English sea captain Christopher Newport during the exploration of John Smith. Sold into slavery, Squanto later successfully escaped to London. Years later, he succeeds in returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition only to find that his tribe had died of a plague.
Squanto then served as an interpreter and guide for the settlers. He began teaching them how to cultivate corn, catch fish, and which plants to avoid. Considering how the Pilgrims were malnourished, Squanto’s presence is essential to their survival. Aside from this, he plays an important part in forging an alliance with the Wampanoag Tribe. This historic story remains as one of the historical depictions of a harmonious and well-led alliance of the United States.
The First Thanksgiving
The mainstream depiction of the Thanksgiving holiday usually involves a feast without considering the original Thanksgiving background and its traditions. In November 1621, the first corn harvest by the Pilgrims’ claims its success. Again, this means a lot considering the scarcity of food and their previous experiences. So, Governor William Bradford initiated a celebratory feast, inviting a group of the colony’s Native American allies. The Wampanoag chief was also included in the said event. This celebration lasted for three whole days! From here, we now remember this as American history’s “first Thanksgiving”. But, what took place and what do we know about this event?
Thanks to Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow, we get a written record of the celebration. Plymouth’s Thanksgiving began with colonists “fowling”. This is an activity done by hunting, shooting, or trapping an animal. According to written data, the colonists or pilgrims hunted for turkeys which explains today’s must-have menu for Thanksgiving. However, experts also suggest that they must have also gone for easier prey such as geese and ducks.
After this celebration, about ninety Wampanoag men appeared at the settlement’s gate. Unlike what many would think, this did not spark a conflict. Instead, these men offered venison to the feast. Winslow’s log describes how these men went to kill five deers, which explains the additional course in their plates. Fish, eels, stews, and vegetables are also on a traditional Thanksgiving menu.
The Spread of the Thanksgiving Tradition
After many years, the growth of our Thanksgiving background once again entered into another phase. At that time, the New England colonists insisted on celebrating “Thanksgivings” to offer gratitude to God for blessings. These “thanksgivings” were offerings to signify an end of a drought or a military triumph. Again, it was not until President George Washington’s effort that Thanksgiving would be an official annual holiday for the entire country.
In connection to an annual national holiday, not everyone was pleased with the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, many began expressing how there should not be any involvement or connection between the national government and religious observances. Many colonists, especially the Southerners, took offense over the holiday, labeling it as propaganda for partisan speeches and parades. So, after 1798, U.S Congress decided to leave Thanksgiving declarations to the individual States in order to avoid further conflicts.
Thanksgiving Today As Christians
If the purpose of this holiday is to “give thanks”, then, it is done through prayer. Praying is the only way in which we can talk to God and express how thankful we are. It is a personal celebration that connects us with God. In opposition to what today’s content tells us, Thanksgiving without prayer is just another event with extra food and history. We should pray for our families, friends, and those who are less fortunate than we are. Ever since the concept of Thanksgiving was made, it was never intended to be done without gratitude to God.
During the holidays, take a look at shelters for the homeless. Many have nothing or minimal possessions, but they are still thankful for donations, and people who volunteer time and effort to help them during difficult times.