Introduction
Ah, Thanksgiving—the time of year when we gather with loved ones, stuff ourselves with turkey, and count our blessings. We’ve been told it all started with a harmonious meal between Pilgrims and Native Americans. But, brace yourselves, because the real history of Thanksgiving is far from the cozy storybook version we learned in school. So, let’s dive into the murkier waters of Thanksgiving’s origins and uncover its dark past.
Early Celebrations of Thanksgiving
First, let’s clear up a common misconception: the Plymouth Thanksgiving of 1621 wasn’t the first-ever Thanksgiving. Turns out, it wasn’t even the second! Decades earlier in 1565, Spanish settlers and the Seloy tribe in Florida shared a meal of salted pork and garbanzo beans. By 1619, settlers in Berkeley Hundred, Virginia, held their own Thanksgiving, which was likely just oysters and ham.
Then, in 1623, the Pilgrims observed a solemn religious day of prayer, which they considered their “real” Thanksgiving. This was not a feast but a fast—quite the plot twist, right? And, let’s not forget the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s 1637 Thanksgiving day, which Governor John Winthrop declared to celebrate the bloody slaughter of hundreds of Pequot people. It’s like discovering that Santa isn’t real but ten times worse.
Abraham Lincoln’s Role in Establishing Thanksgiving
Fast forward to the Civil War in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. His reasoning? To foster unity between the North and South and to smooth over strained relations with Native American tribes. It was less a heartfelt gesture and more of a PR strategy, an attempt to gloss over the dark history between settlers and Native people. Talk about putting a filter on a gruesome reality.
The Fragile Peace Between Pilgrims and Native Americans
When the Pilgrims arrived and established Plymouth, they initially had a peaceful relationship with the Wampanoag tribe, led by Massasoit. They even struck a mutual defense pact, but the peace was as fragile as a soap bubble.
By 1620, European diseases, strikingly labeled as “Indian fever,” had already wiped out roughly 90% of Native populations in New England. The Wampanoag tribe, drastically lowered in numbers and strength, found an ally in the settlers—at least temporarily. But this alliance rapidly turned sour as more colonists arrived, seizing land and exerting control over Wampanoag lives.
The Brutality of the Colonial Era
The fragile alliance finally broke when Massasoit’s son, Metacomet—known as King Philip—became leader. His men were wrongfully executed for a crime, igniting what would come to be known as King Philip’s War in 1675. This brutal conflict led to catastrophic losses: up to 30% of the English population and half of the Native Americans in New England perished.
Colonial forces beheaded Metacomet, displaying his head on a spike for 25 years as a grotesque trophy. And, this was just one of many brutal encounters between Native Americans and colonists, episodes so horrifying that history books often skip over them.
The Thanksgiving Myth and Education
Despite these grim origins, schools across America continue to teach a sanitized version of Thanksgiving, filled with smiling Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a bountiful meal. This myth, perpetuated for generations, whitewashes the true history of oppression and violence experienced by Native American communities.
What’s the harm, you ask? For one, it erases the traumatic experiences of the Native people, reducing their rich history to a footnote. It is essential that our education system evolves to include these perspectives and tells the whole, unvarnished truth.
Modern Reflections and Protests
Many Native Americans view Thanksgiving not as a day of celebration, but as a day of mourning. Since 1970, the United American Indians of New England have marked Thanksgiving as a National Day of Mourning. They gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to honor their ancestors and protest the ongoing racism and injustices facing Native communities.
But even within Native American circles, perspectives on Thanksgiving vary. Some, like activist and chef Sean Sherman, advocate for reclaiming the holiday by focusing on values like togetherness and gratitude, and celebrating Indigenous foods and traditions rather than the pilgrim-centric narrative.
Supporting Native American Communities
Rethinking how we celebrate Thanksgiving is crucial, but equally important is supporting Native American communities in meaningful ways. Start by educating yourself and others. Learn about the true history of the land you live on and support Native authors, activists, and artists. Consider buying from Native businesses and donate to causes that fight for Native rights and welfare.
Make it a point to tackle harmful stereotypes and cultural appropriation in your circles, especially around holidays and school curriculums. Every bit helps in building a more informed, respectful, and inclusive society.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving might always come with its historical baggage. But that doesn’t mean we have to lug it around without questioning or change. By reevaluating our traditions and making conscientious efforts to honor and support Native communities, we can turn a controversial holiday into an opportunity for education and unity, all while still enjoying those mashed potatoes.
So, as you gather this year, let’s remember to not just give thanks but also to take steps toward historical accuracy and justice. After all, isn’t that what real gratitude and togetherness should look like?