Thanksgiving - The Forgotten History

The historic version of Thanksgiving differs greatly from what we are taught as children in the US. There was the one event with the Pilgrims, but Days of Thanksgiving were held throughout New England. The reasons for these other days were not ones Native Americans would celebrate.

Most everyone knows the story. The small band of Puritans who settled near Plymouth Rock had a rough first year in the New Land. The grains and vegetable seeds they brought over were ill suited for the sandy soil and climate of New England. Had it not been for the American Indians who introduced new foods and growing techniques, they may all have succumbed to starvation and disease. That first year many did. After a good harvest the following year, a feast to celebrate was held with their Indian friends, or so we are told.

In the mid 20th century a letter describing what we refer to as the First Thanksgiving was found. It was written by Edward Winslow and dated December 11, 1621. The letter was sent to England by ship and was printed in a compilation for John Bellamie in 1622. This provides a first hand account. After the harvest, four men were sent out to hunt for fowl. This would have been a special treat for the celebration. The hunt was successful, providing enough meat for a week. During this time of plenty, there was “recreation” and the men were out “exercising their arms.” They were shooting their guns. Not knowing the reason for all the noise, 90 of the neighboring Wampanoag warriors, including Chief Massasoit, went to investigate. Outnumbering the small group of settlers almost 2 to 1, they weren’t exactly invited, but were received well. According to Winslow, the Wampanoag joined the celebration for three days, and provided five deer for the Pilgrims.

Winslow’s letter specifically referenced an increased corn harvest, some barley, and a complete failure of the pea crop. We know the Pilgrims grew a variety of squash, including pumpkins. This food source would not have been widely known in Europe at the time and was not mentioned. We also know the Pilgrims fished and grew onions, spinach, and arugula. These may have been part of this harvest celebration.

In the years that followed, there were numerous Days of Thanksgiving declared by church leaders of the expanding settlements. These were not associated with harvest, but in celebration of victorious attacks on the American Indians. Two aspects of European culture were in complete opposition to that of clans and tribes in North America, and a plausible cause for such attacks. Ownership of land had long been established in the Old World. There were no fences designating property lines, as the settlers were accustomed to. Thus the land was available for them to claim. American Indians did have hunting areas, often disputed and fought over, but this did not compare to titled ownership and exclusive use.

Slavery and the view of other races as inferior is the second aspect. Strong in their religious beliefs, the Puritans generally deemed American Indians as sub-human savages. They were tolerated and their knowledge capitalized. Whether based on religion or greed, it was not considered improper to kill or capture and sell them into slavery. Thousands were slaughtered and thousands were sent to Europe. Records exist of the numerous Days of Thanksgiving declared by New England churches after Indian massacres. Squanto, the honored guest of the First Thanksgiving myth, is said to have survived not only the small pox epidemic which decimated his Tribe, but also slavery in Europe where he learned English.

In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a National Day of Thanksgiving. Back then, most midweek church services were held on Thursday. This also correlated to annual full day services for giving thanks and praise held by European churches for many years. It has been suggested, but not proven, that another aspect of his proclamation may have been to consolidate the various days and questionable reasons for Thanksgiving.

As the United States grew, the tradition of Thanksgiving spread west. There were efforts to establish a National Day as in Washington’s proclamation. Sarah Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book and author of Mary had a Little Lamb, lobbied Congress and Presidents for almost 20 years in an effort to bring the country together in the midst of growing tensions between the North and South. On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving and Praise by presidential proclamation. This was approximately the same time he ordered Federal troops to move against the Sioux.

The history of Thanksgiving is less than celebratory for American Indians. When the “whole cloth” is reviewed, its threads are interwoven with those, not of abundance, but of destruction. And there is one more cultural issued involved. Setting aside one day to be thankful is a foreign concept to those who are taught to give thanks every day. However, it is not ironic that we observe Thanksgiving. Despite the history, being thankful is an American Indian tradition. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving on this day and every day.