The history of Thanksgiving is rich and multifaceted, deeply intertwined with the narratives of the Pilgrims and Native Americans. While many Americans view the holiday as a time for family gatherings and feasting, the origins of Thanksgiving reveal a complex story of survival, cultural exchange, and historical amnesia. This blog delves into the roots of Thanksgiving, tracing its evolution from a harvest festival in 1621 to the national holiday we celebrate today.
The First Thanksgiving: A Harvest Feast
To most Americans, the Pilgrims of Plymouth, Massachusetts, symbolize the origins of Thanksgiving. After enduring a brutal winter in 1620 that decimated nearly half of their population, the remaining settlers formed a vital relationship with the Wampanoag tribe. These Native Americans taught the colonists essential skills in fishing, planting, and hunting, which were crucial for their survival. By autumn 1621, the settlers had gathered enough food to sustain their community through the winter.
The colonists and Wampanoag shared a three-day feast to celebrate this bounty. However, it’s important to note that the feast likely did not include the turkey that has become synonymous with modern Thanksgiving. Instead, they probably dined on roast goose, corn, codfish, and lobster. This harvest meal is often referred to as the first Thanksgiving, yet for later generations, the New England Thanksgiving days had little to do with this initial celebration.
Evolution of Thanksgiving Celebrations
For the early colonists, Thanksgiving was primarily a religious observance, rooted in Puritan traditions of fasting, prayer, and expressing gratitude to God. Each autumn, the governor of each colony would declare days of Thanksgiving to celebrate bountiful harvests, military victories, or even the end of droughts. In 1777, the Continental Congress proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to celebrate the American victory at Saratoga during the Revolutionary War.
By the mid-19th century, various states observed Thanksgiving, but the dates varied significantly, sometimes by weeks or even months. It was during this time that Sarah Josepha Hale, a determined magazine editor, embarked on a campaign to establish a national Thanksgiving Day. She believed such a holiday could help unify a nation on the brink of Civil War.
Hale’s relentless letter-writing campaign finally bore fruit in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln, recognizing the unifying potential of the holiday, declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. This marked a significant turning point in the history of Thanksgiving, solidifying its status as a national holiday.
Thanksgiving in the 20th Century and Beyond
As the 20th century dawned, Thanksgiving transformed into a cherished day of leisure for many Americans, providing a break from the six-day workweek. The 1920s saw the formation of the National Football League, which aimed to boost attendance at games. The Detroit Lions pioneered the concept of a Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition that continues to this day.
Parades also became a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations, with department stores recognizing their potential as a kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which began in 1924, has become an iconic part of the holiday, attracting millions of spectators each year.
At its core, Thanksgiving is about family and gratitude. In a fast-paced world, the holiday provides an opportunity to pause, reconnect with loved ones, and reflect on the blessings in our lives. However, the history of Thanksgiving also serves as a reminder of the complex narratives that shape our understanding of this holiday.
Understanding the Native American Perspective
While many celebrate Thanksgiving as a time of gratitude, for Native Americans, the day often serves as a reminder of centuries of oppression and loss. The narrative of the first Thanksgiving has been oversimplified, glossing over the violence and displacement faced by Indigenous peoples following the arrival of European settlers.
In 1970, the United American Indians of New England declared Thanksgiving a National Day of Mourning. This day is marked by gatherings at Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where participants remember the genocide and land theft experienced by Native Americans. Wamsutta (Frank) James, a Wampanoag man, was initially invited to speak at a banquet celebrating the Pilgrims but was disinvited due to the controversial nature of his intended speech, which highlighted the harsh realities faced by Indigenous peoples.
Instead of celebrating the narrative of brotherhood, participants in the National Day of Mourning honor the struggles of Native Americans and their resilience in the face of ongoing oppression. This perspective challenges the dominant narratives of Thanksgiving, urging a more nuanced understanding of history.
Reclaiming Thanksgiving: A Call to Action
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, it’s essential to acknowledge the complex history behind the holiday. Educators, families, and individuals can take proactive steps to decolonize their Thanksgiving celebrations. This can include seeking out alternative narratives that highlight the Indigenous perspective and recognizing the contributions of Native peoples to American society.
Incorporating traditional Indigenous foods into Thanksgiving meals can also serve as a way to honor the rich culinary heritage of Native Americans. Many classic Thanksgiving dishes are inspired by Indigenous ingredients, such as corn, beans, and squash, which were cultivated long before European settlers arrived.
Conclusion: Thanksgiving as a Time for Reflection
The history of Thanksgiving is not merely a tale of Pilgrims and harvest feasts; it is a story of survival, cultural exchange, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. As we celebrate this holiday, let us remember the diverse narratives that shape our understanding of Thanksgiving. By embracing a more inclusive history, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of our shared past and work towards a more equitable future.
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