Thanksgiving History Explained: Indigenous Traditions and Pilgrim Stories

Thanksgiving is a holiday many look forward to each year, but have you ever wondered about the true history behind it? Beyond the familiar images of Pilgrims and feasting, Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions as well as early colonial stories that shaped the celebration. Understanding these perspectives helps enrich the meaning of the holiday and sheds light on the diverse cultural origins of what we now call Thanksgiving. This article dives into the real history of Thanksgiving, highlighting both Indigenous gratitude practices and the Pilgrims’ early celebrations, while also revealing how the holiday evolved over time.

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Early Indigenous Harvest Traditions

Long before Europeans arrived, Indigenous peoples across North America had established rich traditions of thanksgiving and harvest celebrations. These events were not one-time feasts but ongoing ceremonies that honored the earth, nature’s bounty, and the interconnectedness of the community. For many tribes, including the Wampanoag, the season of harvest was marked by giving thanks through rituals, songs, and feasts, recognizing the gifts from the land and expressing respect for all living things.

The Pilgrims and the 1621 Celebration

When the Pilgrims arrived in 1620 and faced a harsh first winter, survival depended heavily on Indigenous allies, particularly the Wampanoag people. In November 1621, after their first successful corn harvest, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate and give thanks. This event included Wampanoag leaders like Chief Massasoit, and consisted of hunting, games, and sharing food that blended Indigenous corn, venison, and fowl with the settlers’ supplies. While this gathering is often called the “First Thanksgiving,” it was not originally labeled as such by the participants.

Evolving Thanksgivings: From Regional Observances to a National Holiday

Thanksgiving in Colonial and Early America

Thanksgiving was not an immediate national celebration; rather, it started as regional days of gratitude often proclaimed by colonial governors in New England. These days combined religious fasting and feasting, reflecting both European and Indigenous influences. Over the 17th and 18th centuries, various colonies celebrated different days of thanks after harvests, military victories, or significant events, but the dates were irregular and localized.

Establishment as a National Holiday

The push for a unified, national Thanksgiving Day gained momentum in the 19th century, largely driven by Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor. After decades of lobbying, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, aiming to unify a country torn by the Civil War. He set the date as the last Thursday in November, establishing a tradition that persists today, though official recognition came with further adjustments in the 20th century.

Indigenous Perspectives on Thanksgiving

The Complexity Behind the Holiday

While Thanksgiving is widely celebrated with family and food, many Indigenous people view the holiday with a solemn perspective. For them, the traditional Thanksgiving narrative oversimplifies and romanticizes the relationship between colonists and Native Americans, often omitting the subsequent centuries of displacement, violence, and cultural loss that followed European settlement. This history led to the establishment of the National Day of Mourning, held annually on Thanksgiving in Plymouth to honor Indigenous ancestors and to raise awareness.

Continuing Indigenous Traditions

Indigenous communities maintain vibrant traditions of gratitude that predate and continue beyond the American Thanksgiving holiday. These expressions of thanks focus on respect for the land, sustainable harvests, and community wellbeing. Some tribes celebrate harvest festivals that include ceremonies, communal meals, and storytelling reflecting their unique cultural identities. Recognizing these ongoing traditions helps broaden our understanding of gratitude beyond the colonial framework.

Thanksgiving Foods: A Blend of Traditions

The Pilgrim Menu vs. Modern Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The foods we associate with Thanksgiving today have evolved extensively. The 1621 feast likely consisted of venison, wild fowl (possibly ducks and geese, not necessarily turkey), corn, beans, squash, and local fruits like berries. Sweet desserts like pumpkin pie were absent because of a lack of sugar and ovens. In contrast, contemporary Thanksgiving often features dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie—staples that developed much later and reflect adaptations and innovations over centuries.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving side dishes are now a focal point for many families and food enthusiasts. Popular sides include creamy mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, and cornbread. Being mindful of Indigenous foods and recipes can inspire more diverse menus that pay homage to the original harvest traditions. For example, cranberries remain a quintessential Thanksgiving ingredient with origins tied to Indigenous usage.

Thanksgiving Traditions Today and Their Meaning

Family Gatherings and Community Spirit

Today’s Thanksgiving celebrations emphasize togetherness, gratitude, and sharing a meal—values that resonate with both Indigenous and colonial origins of thanksgiving. From neighborhood parades to community volunteering, the holiday fosters a spirit of generosity and reflection. Many families incorporate personal traditions, blending cultural influences and reinterpretations of gratitude that make Thanksgiving a meaningful occasion for diverse communities.

The Importance of Honoring All Histories

As we gather for Thanksgiving, it is important to acknowledge and respect the full history behind the holiday. By learning about Indigenous traditions alongside Pilgrim stories, we gain a fuller understanding of Thanksgiving’s complexity. This knowledge allows for more inclusive celebrations that honor both the heritage of Indigenous peoples and the ways the holiday has evolved over time.

Summary and Invitation to Learn More

Thanksgiving’s true history is richer and more complex than the popular story of Pilgrims sharing a single feast. Indigenous gratitude traditions and the Pilgrims’ 1621 celebration both contribute to the foundations of Thanksgiving as we know it today. Recognizing Indigenous perspectives alongside colonial narratives helps deepen appreciation for the holiday’s significance. Whether enjoying classic Thanksgiving side dishes or reflecting on the spirit of giving thanks, we can celebrate in a way that honors all who shaped this tradition. To explore more about Indigenous heritage and discover thoughtful Thanksgiving products to enhance your holiday, feel free to visit our store and find authentic cultural items perfect for your celebration. Wishing you a meaningful and happy Thanksgiving!