Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with family gatherings, delicious meals, and moments of reflection. For many, it’s a time to express gratitude for the blessings in life, but have you ever wondered how this beloved holiday came to be? The origins of Thanksgiving are deeply rooted in American history, shaped by early settlers, Native American traditions, and national proclamations. Understanding the history behind this festive occasion adds a layer of meaning to the celebrations we enjoy today.
The most commonly recognized origin of Thanksgiving traces back to 1621, when English Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people shared a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. This “First Thanksgiving” was not the beginning of the holiday we know today, but it marks a key moment in American history. This shared feast was not the only key interaction between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people at this time. The Native American people helped these newcomers survive their first winter in the New World. They taught them vital farming and gathering techniques.
For the Wampanoag people, this moment of cooperation represented a time of peaceful relations with the newcomers, though it was one of many interactions that would ultimately evolve into complex, and often strained, relationships between Native Americans and European settlers. Despite the initial sharing, the history of Native American peoples in relation to Thanksgiving is complex and includes centuries of colonization, displacement, and loss. For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving represents a time of mourning or reflection on the impact of European settlement on their communities and cultures.
The story of Thanksgiving as we know it was shaped by these early interactions, but it also oversimplifies the complex history of Native American people, whose experiences and contributions to this country are often overlooked. It’s important to acknowledge the Wampanoag’s role in helping the Pilgrims survive, but also to recognize the broader history of Native American resilience, survival, and ongoing struggles.
Today, while Thanksgiving is a time for family, feasts, and giving thanks, it’s also a time to reflect on the complex history of this day and the people whose land was taken, whose cultures were suppressed, and whose contributions are too often forgotten. Here at the SNC, we appreciate you taking the time this Thanksgiving to learn about the holiday’s history while also enjoying the time with your loved ones.
