A Historically Inspired Thanksgiving: The Story Behind the Holiday and a Look at the First Feast

Thanksgiving in the United States is more than just a day of food and family. It’s a celebration with deep historical roots. It tells a story of gratitude and resilience. In the U.S. tradition says it began with the earliest observance by Pilgrims and Native Americans. It evolved to become a national holiday. Thanksgiving reflects the evolution of American traditions.

The Origins: Plymouth and the Wampanoag Feast of 1621

The first Thanksgiving often brings to mind images of Pilgrims in black hats and Native Americans gathered around a table. While the reality was different, the sentiment of giving thanks remains the same. In November 1621, the Plymouth colonists enjoyed a successful harvest. They invited the Wampanoag people. Together, they participated in a three-day celebration. The meal marked a moment of gratitude for survival and a bountiful harvest.

Governor William Bradford organized the feast, or more likely the women around him did. About 90 Wampanoag men, led by their chief, Massasoit, attended. Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim chronicler, described the gathering, highlighting the abundance of food and the spirit of shared celebration.

A Likely Menu of the First Thanksgiving

While today’s Thanksgiving meals are synonymous with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the first feast looked very different. The menu likely included:

• Fowl and Game: The Pilgrims hunted wild fowl, possibly including ducks and geese. The Wampanoag actually contributed five deer. Which were, most likely, roasted over an open fire.
• Seafood: Mussels, lobster, bass, and clams were abundant and part of the meal, served alongside curds, similar to cottage cheese.
• Corn: The Pilgrims used corn to make a thick porridge or corn mush, a staple in their diet.
• Fruits and Berries: Local fruits such as blueberries, plums, grapes, and cranberries may have been served. However, cranberries were likely eaten plain, as sugar was scarce.
• Vegetables: Pumpkins and squashes were roasted, and native root vegetables like groundnuts and turnips may have been included. Early settlers might have filled hollowed-out pumpkins with milk, honey, and spices to create a roasted custard. (OH! I so want to try this!!)

The Road to a National Holiday

Thanksgiving’s journey from a regional celebration to a national holiday was long. It was filled with persistence, especially by Sarah Josepha Hale. Known as the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” Hale campaigned for over 30 years, writing letters to presidents and officials.

Her efforts paid off in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving amidst the Civil War’s turmoil. Lincoln hoped the holiday would help “heal the wounds of the nation.”

Thanksgiving Through the Years

The date of Thanksgiving shifted over time. The holiday was originally set for the last Thursday in November. President Franklin Roosevelt briefly moved it to boost holiday shopping during the Great Depression. Eventually, in 1941, Congress officially set the holiday on the fourth Thursday of November.

A Time for Reflection

While Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, it’s also important to acknowledge its complex history. For many Native Americans, the day is a reminder of the challenges and struggles their ancestors faced. Since 1970, some people have observed the National Day of Mourning. They do this to honor this history and reflect on the impact of European colonization.

A Historically Inspired Thanksgiving Menu for Today

If you want to create a meal inspired by the first Thanksgiving, consider incorporating some of these elements into your feast:

• Main Dishes: Roasted turkey or duck, venison stew, and baked fish.
• Sides: Corn mush or cornbread, roasted root vegetables, and squash.
• Dessert: Baked pumpkin custard in a hollowed-out pumpkin.
• Extras: Fresh berries and nuts for snacking.

Thanksgiving is a chance to come together, reflect on the year, and enjoy the abundance of the season. You might be inspired by the simplicity of the first feast. Perhaps the rich traditions that have developed since inspire you. Regardless, the spirit of gratitude remains the heart of the celebration.

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