Author | Faith Crippen |
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, it’s safe to say that you’re familiar
with the holiday, and you most likely associate it with get-togethers and family traditions. The origins of the holiday are controversial; some historians claim it can be traced back to Spanish explorers before the Pilgrims, who held feasts in celebration of their new land. The most widely believed origin, however, is the story of the Pilgrims and Squanto.
It all began in the year 1620, when a small ship called
the Mayflower left the English harbor. The Mayflower was
packed with Puritans who were seeking religious freedom and
escaping the persecution they faced in England. These Puritans
later became known as the Pilgrims. After a grueling month at
sea, the Mayflower landed at Cape Cod, far from their planned
destination. Another month passed, and the Mayflower landed
at Plymouth, where the Pilgrims organized their first village.
Winter began, and the Pilgrims realized just how unprepared they were. Desperate, they slept in the ship, but were exposed to disease, which, in turn, eradicated half of the population at
Plymouth.
Spring finally arrived, and though this was a relief, things were still looking grim for
the Pilgrims. The situation was dire, and conditions were getting worse, when all of a sudden, a miracle occurred. A Native American man named Squanto emerged from the woods, speaking English and offering his aid to the Pilgrims.
The fact that the man had shown up in such perfect timing was surprising in itself, but
that he was speaking the Pilgrims; native language was a miracle. Squanto taught the Pilgrims to farm, identify plants, and catch fish – to survive. So how did this man learn to
speak English – a language that virtually no one in the area spoke? Years before the Pilgrims, Squanto was kidnapped and enslaved by an English sailor. While in England, he learned English, because if it was the native language there. Eventually, he was able to escape from the English and back to his homeland. If not for Squanto, the measly population of Pilgrims would have been almost immediately wiped out. It really is amazing to think about how one man’s extreme misfortune led to the saving and fortune of many others.
But what happens next in the story? Well, the year after the Pilgrims’ first harvest, they declared it time to rejoice and thank their neighbors. The village’s governor arranged a feast
and celebration, insisting the Natives – namely Squanto – join them so that the Pilgrims may express their gratitude. The two companies hunted deer together, which served to be a primary dish at the feast. The foods served at the first Thanksgiving were far different than those served today: there was no pie, mashed potatoes, ham, or turkey, but rather fruit, pumpkin, corn, and bass!
Thanksgiving was celebrated again in 1789, after America defeated the British in the
Revolutionary war, and several times afterward. It did not become an official holiday, though, until 1863, under Abraham Lincoln's presidency; during this time, Thanksgiving served as a symbol of hope and fellowship in the Civil War.
Whether we have celebrated Thanksgiving in desperate times or uplifting times
throughout history, the holiday has always centered around community and gratitude, and does to this day. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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