Hello Mates!
In relation to the holiday, someone has asked me, "What is Thanksgiving all about?"
And this is a legitimate question folks. Not only for someone who isn't familiar with US traditions/holidays, but really, what is Thanksgiving?
A lot of controversy, various opinions, and different historical views surround this holiday.
No it's not a day celebrating the beheading (and eating) of turkeys.
And no it's not necessarily a bunch of "friendly" pilgrims in buckled hats and feathered Indians sitting down to a large meal either.
Prepare yourself, this will be long, but worth it!
History Lesson!
Thanksgiving
(What really happened)
Source: Of Plymouth Plantation (a true account of the history of the time associated with Thanksgiving) by William Bradford (one of the English pilgrims and governor of New Plymouth)
Book I
(1608-1620)
Persecution and flight from England and Holland-Voyage to America
The Pilgrims (or more correctly the English Reformers) were being persecuted once again. They left England and immigrated to Holland (Amsterdam and Leyden;1607-1620) hoping to find relief. Unfortunately they weren't very successful at starting a new life or finding relief there so they went back to England (Plymouth) and set off on a ship (the Mayflower) for America (New England). They first arrived at Cape Cod (November 1620). Finding the conditions unfavorable to harbor in New England, they left and discovered the harbor of New Plymouth (November-December 1620) This caused the Foundation of the New Plymouth Settlement. 100 persons settled there.
Book II
(1620-1650)
History of the new settlement at Plymouth
A Deed of Government was drawn up before they went ashore, constituting the first foundation of their government. Mr. John Carver (described as a godly and highly approved man) was chosen as their governor for the year. In two or three months time, half the company died, partly to the severity of the winter and the want of houses and other comforts; partly to scurvy and other diseases which their long journey had brought upon them. Scarcely 50 remained and sometimes two-three died in one day. Eventually some Indians (excuse me, Native Americans) come and the pilgrims meet Squanto (who is probably the most well known Native American of all thanksgiving time).
They made a peace treaty with those Indians, that continued (at least until 1650 when William was writing this account) for 24 years. Squanto stayed with the pilgrims, was their interpreter, showed them how to plant corn, where to fish, guided them to unknown places, and never left them till he died. He had previously been captured by foreigners, supposed to be sold as a slave in Spain, but escaped when they ported in England and found work there (also learned English), and was one of the few survivors of the plague. After some other experiences he eventually made it back to his native land; America.
The Mayflower (whose captain and crew had voyaged back to England) returned, some other important leaders died, William Bradford (Author of book) became Governor, the first marriage, various treaties and friendships made with different tribes of Indians, the first harvest, and the arrival of new settlers are some brief accounts of events that took place later, 1621.
I'm not sure what exact moment in history is related to the Celebration of Thanksgiving, but out of all events written in the book I personally believe the "First Harvest" counts as the first Thanksgiving, for the book says, "They began now to gather in the small harvest they had and to prepare their houses for winter, being well recovered in health and strength, and plentifully provisioned; for while some had been thus employed in affairs away from home, others were occupied in fishing for cod, bass, and other fish, of which they caught a good quantity, every family having their portion. All the summer there was no want. And now, as winter approached, wild fowl began to arrive, of which there were plenty when they came here first, though afterwards they became more scarce. As well as wild fowl, they got abundance of wild turkeys, besides venison, etc."
The rest of the account is about the new colonies that started, failed, difficulties, hardships, new settlers, changes in government, letters, purchase of land, more deaths, trading of guns and ammunition with Indians, divisions in the new Church, smallpox among Indians, and other various illnesses, war with hostile Indians, and generally ends with a peace treaty being signed by the United Colonies of New England and the Narragansett and Nyantick Indians in 1645.
Basically all the history of the settling and beginning of our Nation.
The final chapter of the book is dedicated to the first settlers at Plymouth and actually names each man and gives an account of the number of people in each household.
These men, women, and children endured so much for the sake of finding religious freedom in a new nation. We should learn from and respect their hardships, and thank God for the privileges and amenities of our home!
I'll end with the finale paragraph from the book:
"Of these 100 or so of persons who came over first, more than half died in the first general sickness. Of those that remained, some were too old to have children. Nevertheless in those thirty years there have sprung up from that stock over 160 persons now living in this year 1650; and of the old stock itself nearly thirty persons still survive. Let the Lord have the praise, Who is the High Preserver of men."
Happy Thanksgiving!
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