Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, marked by family gatherings, parades, football games, and, of course, a feast that typically includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. However, many people are unaware of the origins of Thanksgiving and the truth behind when and why it is celebrated. The popular narrative often centers around the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together in 1621 to share a meal. But this story is more myth than fact, and the “real” Thanksgiving has much deeper and more complex roots that involve indigenous peoples, European colonization, and a long history of cultural and political events.
In this article, we will explore the history of Thanksgiving, focusing on its true origins, how the holiday has evolved over time, and when the “real” Thanksgiving occurred. We will also examine the impact of Thanksgiving on Native American communities and how their perspective on the holiday differs from the mainstream narrative. By delving into the history of this holiday, we aim to shed light on its more nuanced and authentic significance.
What Is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving, as it is celebrated today, is a time for Americans to reflect on the blessings of the past year, express gratitude, and spend time with loved ones. In its current form, it is primarily a secular holiday, although its origins are tied to religious and cultural traditions. In the United States, Thanksgiving is typically celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
While modern Thanksgiving focuses on family gatherings and the sharing of a meal, the history behind the holiday is far more complicated and rooted in both indigenous and colonial experiences. The traditional narrative suggests that Thanksgiving began as a peaceful gathering between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, who are said to have celebrated a feast together in the fall of 1621 to mark the Pilgrims’ successful harvest. However, this simplistic view does not tell the full story of the indigenous peoples involved or the events that followed.
The Myth of the First Thanksgiving: Pilgrims and Native Americans
The widely taught story of Thanksgiving centers on the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, and the Wampanoag people. According to this version of events, the Pilgrims had recently arrived in North America and were struggling to survive. The Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, allegedly helped the Pilgrims learn how to grow crops, fish, and hunt, which enabled them to have a successful harvest.
As a gesture of thanks, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag are said to have come together for a three-day feast to celebrate the abundance of food and establish peaceful relations. This feast is often portrayed as the “first Thanksgiving,” and its imagery—such as turkey, corn, and pumpkin pie—has become deeply ingrained in American holiday culture.
However, this account of Thanksgiving is heavily romanticized and overlooks the broader context of the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. In reality, the relationship between European settlers and indigenous peoples was complex and often fraught with tension. Although the feast of 1621 was a peaceful and cooperative event, it did not mark the end of conflicts between the settlers and the indigenous populations.
The Real History of Thanksgiving: Indigenous Perspectives
For Native Americans, the history of Thanksgiving is marked by centuries of colonization, displacement, and violence. The arrival of European settlers in North America led to the decimation of indigenous populations through disease, warfare, and land theft. While the 1621 feast may have been a relatively peaceful event, it was followed by a long history of violence and exploitation that affected Native American communities in profound ways.
Colonization and Its Impact
The colonization of the Americas by European powers, beginning in the late 15th century, resulted in widespread displacement and destruction of indigenous cultures. The settlers brought with them diseases to which indigenous peoples had no immunity, causing catastrophic population declines. Over time, European settlers encroached upon indigenous lands, taking control of vital resources and forcing many Native Americans to relocate.
While the Pilgrims may have initially relied on the Wampanoag for help, the coming centuries would see Native Americans systematically displaced from their land and subjected to violence, forced assimilation, and broken treaties. This process, which began in the 17th century and continued for centuries, is known as colonialism and has left a deep scar on Native American communities.
Thanksgiving and the Legacy of the Wampanoag People
For the Wampanoag people, the story of Thanksgiving is more complicated. After the 1621 feast, relations between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims deteriorated. As more settlers arrived, the Wampanoag were forced into a precarious position. The Pilgrims, along with other European settlers, expanded their settlements and continued to encroach upon Wampanoag land.
In 1675, less than 50 years after the first Thanksgiving, King Philip’s War (also known as Metacom’s War) broke out. The war was a direct result of the tensions between Native American communities and English colonists, as the indigenous peoples fought to protect their land, culture, and way of life. The war ended in defeat for the Wampanoag and other indigenous nations in the region, leading to the destruction of their societies and further displacement.
In the aftermath of King Philip’s War, many Native Americans were killed, enslaved, or forced into captivity. Those who survived were often pushed to reservations or other isolated areas. The legacy of this violence and the destruction of indigenous cultures continues to impact Native American communities today.
Native American Views on Thanksgiving
For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the painful history of colonization. While the Pilgrims’ feast of 1621 may have been a brief moment of cooperation, it was followed by centuries of violence, land theft, and forced assimilation. For some Native Americans, Thanksgiving is seen as a day of mourning rather than celebration. It is a reminder of the loss of life, culture, and land that their ancestors experienced.
As part of the broader movement for indigenous rights and social justice, many Native Americans use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to educate the public about the true history of the holiday and to advocate for the rights of indigenous communities. National days of protest, such as the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts, have been held to highlight the ongoing struggles of Native American peoples.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving as a National Holiday
While the 1621 feast may have been the basis for the popular myth of Thanksgiving, the holiday itself did not become an official national celebration until much later in American history. The modern Thanksgiving holiday has evolved through a series of events, declarations, and proclamations.
The First Proclamation of Thanksgiving
The first official Thanksgiving proclamation came from George Washington in 1789. Washington called for a national day of prayer and thanksgiving to celebrate the country’s independence and to ask for God’s blessings on the new nation. However, this was not an annual event, and Thanksgiving did not become a regular national holiday at this time.
Sarah Josepha Hale and the Campaign for a National Holiday
The push to make Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday came largely through the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor. Hale, best known for writing the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” campaigned for years to establish Thanksgiving as an official holiday. She believed that a national day of thanksgiving would help unify the country, particularly during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War.
Her efforts were successful in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. Lincoln’s proclamation came during the Civil War, and it served as a way to foster a sense of national unity and hope amid the country’s deep divisions. Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November, a tradition that would continue until President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the date to the third Thursday of November in 1939, in an attempt to extend the holiday shopping season. The date was returned to the fourth Thursday in 1941, solidifying the current celebration of Thanksgiving.
When Is the Real Thanksgiving?
So, when is the “real” Thanksgiving? The answer to this question depends on your perspective. For many Native Americans, the true Thanksgiving is not the 1621 feast but rather a recognition of the long history of indigenous resistance to colonization and the ongoing struggles for justice and recognition. Thanksgiving, as it is celebrated today, is a modern invention that does not fully reflect the complex and painful history of indigenous peoples.
The “real” Thanksgiving, in this sense, could be viewed as a day of remembrance and mourning, as well as a call for solidarity and support for Native American communities. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the truth behind the myths and to work toward reconciliation and understanding.
For those who wish to engage with Thanksgiving in a more meaningful way, it is important to educate oneself about the history of the holiday and its impact on indigenous peoples. Some Native American groups encourage people to spend the day learning about indigenous cultures, supporting indigenous causes, and reflecting on the legacy of colonization.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a holiday that has evolved over time, with its roots in both European colonialism and indigenous experiences. While the modern version of Thanksgiving focuses on family, food, and gratitude, it is essential to understand the true history behind the holiday. For Native Americans, Thanksgiving represents both a day of mourning and an opportunity to highlight the struggles of indigenous peoples throughout history.
By recognizing the complexity of Thanksgiving and its impact on Native American communities, we can move beyond the myths and work toward a more inclusive and honest understanding of the holiday. Whether it is a time of celebration or reflection, Thanksgiving should be an opportunity for all Americans to acknowledge the past, understand its implications, and take steps toward a more just and equitable future.
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