You may remember the story you were taught as a small child where "Pilgrims" and "Indians" alike gathered around large wooden tables in the town square to share a meal together celebrating a bountiful harvest. The meal that became known as "The First Thanksgiving." In the coloring books you see turkey and corn and pumpkin pie all laid out on the tables and lots of smiling happy faces. You may have even taken part in a school play recreating the event. But that's not entirely accurate...
The Wampanoag
The "Indians" in the story were of the Wampanoag Nation and they describe "The First Thanksgiving" as a fact finding mission, not a planned harvest celebration. According to Romona Peters (Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer) it was a fact finding mission. A treaty was made between the two nations (England & Wampanoag), that guaranteed protection from enemies. Eventually jurisdictions were formed that ensured the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag could live together peacefully.
The First Thanksgiving
When the time came for harvest and the crops were bountiful the Pilgrims (only about 26 were left at the time) began to "celebrate." But the celebration sounded more like a battle. The pilgrims were shooting cannons and muskets which alarmed the nearby Wampanoag. Since the treaty ensured that the Wampanoag would help protect the pilgrims from enemies they traveled to Plymouth to investigate, ready to lend their services, or defend their nation if it turned out they were the target. When they arrived a translator was able to explain that it wasn't a battle but a celebration. Still the Wampanoag stayed several days to ensure this was true.
The Meal
Since the Wampanoag stayed for several days they did gather food and a meal was had. But not exactly the happy-go-lucky one that is often described. The Pilgrims were still new to the land and afraid to eat many things so the Wampanoag did assist in teaching them what was safe. In reality the Mayflower Pilgrims had to rely on the Wampanoag for survival in many ways, not just physical protection. The story of peace and unity that we are told today, while a nice sentiment, leaves out important details of the story. There was not one "Thanksgiving" meal, the Wampanoag had many harvest celebrations in which they gave thanks. They did often eat with the Pilgrims but more so in an educational way than anything else.
Wampanoag Today
The Wampanoag nation does still celebrate Thanksgiving today and it is similar in which the rest of America celebrates it but there are some key differences. The Puritan Pilgrims were of the Christian faith and gave thanks to God for the harvest. Many families today still do this around the Thanksgiving table talking about what they are thankful for and giving thanks to God for their blessings. The Wampanoag give offerings of tobacco and thank Mother Earth for their blessings, this may be done in silence as the family gathers together. Even though the stories told are not quite accurate Ms. Peters still regards Thanksgiving as a positive thing and I agree with her when she says it's "important to give thanks."
What are you thankful for this season?
Information about the Wampanoag and "The First Thanksgiving" was gathered from indiancountrymedianetwork.com
You can view Romona Peters entire 2012 interview about the first thanksgiving by visiting Indian Country Today.
