Exploring the Origins of Thanksgiving: A Feast of Celebration and Reflection on History
- Karen Onove
- Nov 27
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving is a holiday many look forward to each year, filled with family gatherings, delicious food, and a spirit of gratitude. But how did Thanksgiving start? The story goes back nearly 400 years to a harvest feast in 1621, when English colonists in Plymouth Colony shared a meal with members of the Wampanoag tribe. This event is often called the first American thanksgiving, but the history behind it is complex and layered with different perspectives.
The First Thanksgiving Meal in 1621
The first Thanksgiving took place after a difficult year for the Plymouth settlers. They had endured a harsh winter with many losses, but with help from the Wampanoag people, they learned to grow crops and fish in the new land. In the autumn of 1621, the colonists held a three-day feast to celebrate their first successful harvest.
What was the first Thanksgiving meal? While many imagine turkey and pumpkin pie, the original feast was quite different. The meal likely included:
Venison provided by the Wampanoag guests
Wildfowl such as ducks and geese
Corn, beans, and squash grown by the colonists
Seafood like fish and shellfish from nearby waters
This meal was a symbol of cooperation and survival, a moment of peace between two very different cultures.
The Native American Perspective
While Thanksgiving is often seen as a joyful celebration, it is important to recognize that many Native Americans view this day differently. For many Indigenous peoples, Thanksgiving represents a day of mourning and reflection on the loss of life, land, and culture that followed European colonization.
The Wampanoag tribe, who played a crucial role in the first feast, experienced devastating consequences in the years after 1621. Disease, war, and displacement deeply affected their communities. Today, some Native Americans observe Thanksgiving as a reminder of these hardships and a call to honor their ancestors.
How Thanksgiving Evolved Over Time
Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday immediately after the 1621 feast. For many years, various colonies and states held their own days of thanksgiving at different times. It was often a religious observance to give thanks for blessings like harvests or military victories.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November. This helped unify the country during the Civil War and established the tradition we know today.
Over time, Thanksgiving grew into a family-centered holiday with specific customs such as:
Sharing a large meal with loved ones
Watching parades and football games
Expressing gratitude for life’s blessings
Common Myths About Thanksgiving Origins
Many stories about Thanksgiving have been simplified or romanticized. Here are a few myths and the facts behind them:
Myth: The first Thanksgiving was a one-time event.
Fact: Early settlers and Native Americans held multiple days of thanksgiving over the years, but the 1621 feast is the most famous.
Myth: Turkey was the centerpiece of the first meal.
Fact: While wildfowl was served, it’s unclear if turkey was included. Venison and seafood were likely more common.
Myth: Thanksgiving was always a national holiday.
Fact: It became a national holiday only in the 19th century, after decades of regional observances.
Understanding these facts helps us appreciate the holiday’s true origins and the diverse experiences involved.
Reflecting on Thanksgiving Today
Thanksgiving remains a time to gather and give thanks, but it also offers an opportunity to reflect on history honestly. Recognizing the Native American perspective encourages respect and awareness of the past.
Here are some ways to honor the full story of Thanksgiving:
Learn about the Wampanoag tribe and other Indigenous peoples
Include Native foods and traditions in your celebration
Support Native communities and causes
Use the day to reflect on gratitude and reconciliation
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