Historian Reveals Pilgrims’ Takeover of Thanksgiving and Erased Histories
Thanksgiving is a widely celebrated holiday in the United States, where around 90% of Americans gather to share meals. However, a closer look reveals how the popular narratives surrounding Thanksgiving have fragmented American society. Historical interpretations often marginalize the rich tapestry of communal giving thanks that predates the Pilgrims’ arrival in North America.
Pilgrims and Their Place in Thanksgiving History
While many associate Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims’ landing in 1620 and the subsequent feast in 1621 with the Wampanoag tribe, this narrative has overshadowed significant aspects of religious history and cultural inclusion. The emphasis on this one event has often excluded Native American perspectives, as well as those of various faiths like Catholicism and Judaism.
Indigenous Rituals and Earlier Celebrations
- Indigenous harvest festivals predate the Pilgrims’ arrival, with the Wampanoag celebrating their cranberry harvest.
- The Cahokia civilization, renowned for its 50-acre plaza, held communal feasts as early as the 11th century.
- Cahokians offered thanks to deities with feasts featuring symbolic animals, well before the first Thanksgiving was celebrated.
Thanksgiving’s Evolving Traditions
The practice of declaring “Days of Thanksgiving” has a long-standing history that the traditional narrative often overlooks. The Pilgrims, who fled England seeking religious freedom, brought this custom with them. Over the years, leaders from George Washington to James Madison have proclaimed national days of thanksgiving, marking significant events like military victories.
The Role of Sarah Hale
In the 19th century, writer Sarah Hale advocated for a national Thanksgiving holiday. Her persistent efforts led President Abraham Lincoln to declare a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, which further cemented the Pilgrims’ place in the holiday’s narrative.
Misrepresentation in Art and Media
Artistic representations, such as those by Jean Ferris and Jennie Augusta Brownscombe, present an oversimplified depiction of the Pilgrims’ feast, failing to accurately reflect the presence and role of Indigenous peoples. Accounts from that period indicate that the Wampanoag brought significant contributions to the meal, including deer.
Impact of Death and Disease
The cheerful narratives often ignore the context of suffering that characterized early relationships. The interactions between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag were marked by loss, with both communities experiencing significant mortality rates prior to their alliance.
National Narratives and Immigration
The ascendance of the Pilgrims as symbols of American identity came during a peak in immigration from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. This period was marked by nativist sentiments and resistance to new immigrant populations, particularly Catholics and Jews. Such views often contrasted sharply with the inclusive narrative of thanksgiving.
A Shift in Immigration Policy
The 1920 celebration of the Pilgrims’ landing further entrenched their symbolism in America. Events included grand commemorations attended by President Warren Harding and Vice President Calvin Coolidge, highlighting the “Pilgrim Spirit.” However, rising anti-immigrant sentiments culminated in the Immigration Act of 1924, which restricted immigration for decades.
Reflections on Thanksgiving Today
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, the story of Thanksgiving continues to evolve. Understanding the complexities of this narrative is vital. The celebrations can either unify or divide, depending on the perspectives we choose to uplift. By embracing a fuller history, Americans can foster dialogue instead of division during this significant holiday.
