The Real Dark History of Thanksgiving
The Real History of Thanksgiving Is Darker Than You Might Think
As families across America gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, a closer look at the holiday's history reveals a narrative darker than the one often portrayed in school textbooks.
Let's delve into the complexities surrounding Thanksgiving, challenging some widely held beliefs and shedding light on the real story behind this annual tradition.
The Plymouth Thanksgiving of 1621: Not the Beginning
Contrary to popular belief, the Pilgrims' feast in 1621 wasn't the inaugural Thanksgiving. Settlers in Berkeley Hundred, Virginia, held a Thanksgiving in 1619, albeit with a modest menu of oysters and ham.
Even earlier, in 1565, Spanish settlers and the Seloy tribe shared a meal in Florida. The roots of Thanksgiving predate Plymouth, revealing a richer tapestry of early celebrations.
A Sober 1623: Pilgrims' True Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims, often associated with the 1621 feast, might consider their 1623 day of prayer as the first true Thanksgiving. Our modern turkey-centric celebration evolved from more solemn religious observances in past centuries.
1637: A Controversial Origin
Some historians argue that the true origin of Thanksgiving lies in 1637 when Massachusetts Bay Colony's governor, John Winthrop, declared a day to celebrate the slaughter of hundreds of Pequot men, women, and children in Mystic, Connecticut. This darker event challenges the conventional narrative of unity.
The Fragile 'Peace' with the Wampanoag
The alliance between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, symbolized by the first Thanksgiving, was fragile. Massasoit, the Wampanoag chief, allied with the settlers initially, but as more English colonists arrived, tensions escalated. Disease, brought by European settlers, decimated the Wampanoag population by 90% by 1620, setting the stage for conflicts like King Philip's War in 1675.
National Day of Mourning: A Different Perspective
Today, some are reevaluating the meaning of Thanksgiving, acknowledging its dark past. The National Day of Mourning, established in 1970 by Wampanoag activist Frank James, stands as a day of remembrance and protest against racism and oppression. Native Americans gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to honor their ancestors and highlight the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples.
Thanksgiving’s Whitewashed History in Education
The widely taught narrative of Thanksgiving often overlooks the brutal realities Native Americans faced during colonization. Critics argue that school curricula fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of Native history, contributing to a whitewashed version of Thanksgiving.
Four Vital Facts Behind the Real Story
- Uninvited Presence: Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that the Wampanoag tribe was invited to the 1621 feast. The presence of 90 Wampanoag men might have been a response to celebratory gunshots.
- Aggressors, Not Friends: Initial interactions between Pilgrims and Wampanoag were marked by aggression. Pilgrims stole winter provisions during their first encounter, and the alliance formed later was driven by the Wampanoag’s struggle for survival.
- Broken Promises: Despite forming an alliance, the Pilgrims went back on their promises. They seized Native lands and subjected Indigenous peoples to imprisonment, enslavement, and execution.
- Brutal Celebrations: Thanksgiving celebrations among European settlers often followed brutal victories over Native people, such as the Pequot Massacre of 1636 and the beheading of Wampanoag leader Metacom in 1676.
Final Thoughts
As we enjoy Thanksgiving with our families, it’s essential to acknowledge the complex history that precedes this tradition. Reflecting on the darker chapters allows for a more nuanced understanding of the holiday and encourages a collective effort to honor and respect the Indigenous peoples whose stories are often left untold.
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