From Plymouth Rock to Present

Every year November conjures images of pilgrims fresh from the Mayflower and American Indians in their native land sitting down to a feast to give thanks for nature's bounty and the new relationship between their cultures. We envision the pilgrim men in their black coats and knickers over white shirts and stockings, with shoes and hats sporting large buckles. The women cook a lavish dinner with turkey and garnish the table with a horn o' plenty. The natives gather in breechcloths and face paint to celebrate with the newcomers from England. This picturesque scene displayed in classrooms and books portrays the story of the origin of our modern-day Thanksgiving and dominates the minds of most Americans. However, this idealized image is not a very accurate picture of the holiday's beginning. Thanksgiving as we know it has come a long way over the centuries.

The very first "Thanksgiving" occurred in the fall of 1621 in what is now known as the New England area in the northeast United States. The pilgrims and American Indians were there indeed, and the feast lasted three days. The colonists were celebrating the harvest at the proclamation of Governor William Bradford. The settlers did not call it a thanksgiving, as that was a term associated with days of fasting and prayer. Instead, it was more of an extended harvest festival, with singing, dancing and games enjoyed between the colonists and the neighboring Wampanoag tribe.

One notable difference in the pictures depicting the celebration and historical records is the ratio of Indians to pilgrims. The previous fall had been devastating to the Plymouth colonists. Their first year yielded little crops and they lost approximately half of their population. The tribe aided them with the harvest through the next year, and about 90 Indians attended the Thanksgiving celebration, joining the 55 or so remaining pilgrims.

It is also unlikely that the English settlers were dressed quite the way we picture them. It is probably more accurate to picture the men in drab clothes (black was reserved for religious and formal occasions) and no buckles (not fashionable until the 17th century). Turkey was probably not even on the menu, though there may have been ducks and geese. The feast would have featured venison and maize. While there was no pumpkin pie, they may have had boiled pumpkin. Mashed potatoes would not have been served as they settlers considered the vegetable, which was new to them, poisonous. Other dishes likely included fish, berries, lobster, clams, watercress and dried fruits.

Contrary to popular belief, the celebration was not repeated the following year. However, two years later Governor Bradford proclaimed another "thanksgiving" with the Indians when rains alleviated a drought. The next one didn't occur until 1676, and excluded the local natives, as part of the celebration this time was over conquering the Indian tribes. The celebration was recognized by all 13 colonies in October of 1777, declared a national day by George Washington in 1789, and dismissed by Thomas Jefferson during his presidency. The holiday slowly became celebrated annually, but did not become official until the subject of much prodding by magazine editor Sarah J. Hale, who campaigned for its recognition for 40 years. Her efforts were finally rewarded by President Lincoln's 1863 proclamation of the national holiday of Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. After a few more changes in the date, Congress sanctioned Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1941 for the fourth Thursday each November.

Now we look forward to this holiday to spend time with family and friends, to celebrate with food and fun, and to reflect on what all we have for which to give thanks. Thanksgiving has evolved into a celebration that may not resemble the original as much as fabled, but involves the same basic premise: to recognize the blessings we are given and give thanks for all that we have.