In preparation for any holiday, I enjoy refreshing my understanding of its beginnings and the reason for the season (or day). Below, I have summarized my Thanksgiving research (courtesy of National Geographic) and conclude with my reflections on how these events have helped me develop an attitude of gratitude:
- The area surrounding the site of the first Thanksgiving, now known as southeastern Massachusetts and eastern Rhode Island had been the home of the Wampanoag people for over 12,000 years, and had been visited by other European settlers before the arrival of the Mayflower. The native people knew the land well and had fished, hunted, and harvested for thousands of generations
- The people who comprised the Plymouth Colony were a group of English Protestants who wanted to break away from the Church of England. A ship carrying 101 men, women, and children spent 66 days traveling the Atlantic Ocean.
- As the Puritans prepared for winter, they gathered anything they could find, including Wampanoag supplies. Squanto helped the settlers grow corn and use fish to fertilize their fields. After several meetings, a formal agreement was made between the settlers and the native people and they joined together to protect each other from other tribes in March of 1621.
- Even with Squanto’s help 44 of the initial 101 passengers did not survive the first winter.
- Many months later, as they prepared for the next winter they found that their hard work combined with Squanto’s farming expertise produced plenty of crops to last them through the upcoming winter.
- To celebrate this fruitful harvest, the pilgrims invited the Wampanoag people to a fall feast where deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat were served. And that was the first Thanksgiving.
I love reviewing the beginnings of a new era in our country’s history. These events caused me to reflect on:
- The courage of the first pilgrims to sacrifice personal comforts, family ties, homes, and even lives (if necessary) to live in accordance with their most sacred values.
- My personal “Squantos” and how they have helped me prepare and get through the long winters of my own life.
- The great country to which I belong and the prosperity and plenty I enjoy because of those who have come before me.
- Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Turkey, Yams, Pumpkin Pie, and leftovers!
Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday and allow an attitude of gratitude to fill your soul this long turkey-filled weekend!
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