Article Written by Arianne Goode
Every November, thousands of families across the nation join together to celebrate a single day: Thanksgiving. Though Thanksgiving is cherished by many, some do not know the history, the true beginnings of said holiday. Some may claim that it started with a festival-like gathering amongst the Pilgrims and Indians, which is correct; however, that is generally the only knowledge that people hold about Thanksgiving. As everyone remembers it once more, here is an overview of the first commencement of this day of appreciation.
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced all the way back to the 1620’s. A promise of a home where they could partake in free practice of religion drove many religious separatists to sail to the New World. Leaving Plymouth, England, in September of 1620, the separatists and others who yearned for success and good fortune left port in a ship called the Mayflower. The journey lasted just over 60 days, proving to be quite difficult; nevertheless, the 102 passengers eventually reached land. “They dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River,” says the staff of History.com, “one month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village.”
Losses plagued the crew, though, and roughly half lived to see their first New England spring. Wanting to help, a Native American named Squanto taught the Pilgrims the basic tools to survive in the new land. Squanto also assisted the colonists in forging an alliance with the local Wampanoag tribe, which would unite the two groups for over 50 years. With the aid of this man and the other Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to find their grounding in the New World.
A celebratory feast was declared by Governor William Bradford in 1621 after the first successful corn harvest. Allied Native American tribes gathered with the Pilgrims to share food and give thanks amongst one another’s company, the festival lasting for three days. This day marked the tradition that would continue for hundreds of years in the future.
For more great articles by students, see the November 2016 Panther Newspaper!
