A Very EdwardsSchoen Thanksgiving
According to the nostalgic and authoritative Encyclopedia Britannica (watch), Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. The first Thanksgiving is often remembered as a peaceful celebration between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621, where they shared a meal to give thanks for the successful harvest. While this event is often romanticized, the details of what was actually eaten differ significantly from the traditional Thanksgiving foods we associate with the holiday today. Additionally, Thanksgiving wasn’t formally established as a U.S. holiday until much later, during the 19th century.
On the Menu: Far From Pumpkin Pie & Whipped Cream
The 1621 feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was attended by 53 Pilgrims and around 90 members of the Wampanoag tribe, including their leader, Chief Massasoit. This three-day gathering was likely more focused on socializing, diplomacy, and giving thanks for survival rather than a formal “Thanksgiving” as we know it today.
The foods served at this first feast were largely dictated by what was locally available at the time. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag would have had a diet that revolved around natural resources they could hunt, fish, or grow. Here are some of the key foods that were likely on the table:
- Venison: One of the most significant contributions of the Wampanoag was deer. It’s documented that they brought five deer to the feast, making venison a centerpiece of the meal.
- Wild Fowl: While turkey may be the main attraction of modern Thanksgiving tables, it wasn’t necessarily the star of the show in 1621. The Pilgrims hunted wild fowl, which could have included ducks, geese, and possibly turkeys. However, birds like ducks or geese were more likely.
- Seafood: Living near the coast, seafood was a crucial part of the Pilgrims’ diet. They may have had fish like cod or bass, and shellfish like clams, mussels, or lobsters. It’s worth noting that lobsters were not seen as a delicacy back then but rather a common food source.
- Corn: The Wampanoag introduced the Pilgrims to corn, which was a staple of Native American agriculture. They likely served it in the form of a porridge-like dish called “samp,” made by boiling cornmeal with water, or as cornbread.
- Vegetables and Fruits: The feast likely included seasonal vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and beans, all of which were staple crops for the Wampanoag. Fruits such as berries or plums might have been part of the meal as well. However, it’s doubtful that they had the sugar or baking supplies necessary to make the sweet pumpkin pies or cranberry sauce we associate with Thanksgiving today.
It’s Official: Thanksgiving as a U.S. Holiday
Although the 1621 feast is often cited as the “first Thanksgiving,” the tradition of giving thanks for the harvest was common among both Native Americans and European settlers. It wasn’t until much later that Thanksgiving became an official holiday in the United States.
In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a national day of giving thanks, but this was a one-time event rather than an annual holiday. The idea of making Thanksgiving a national holiday gained momentum in the mid-19th century, largely thanks to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor and writer. For years, Hale lobbied politicians to establish Thanksgiving as a permanent national holiday. Her campaign finally succeeded during the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, partly to foster unity during the war.
Lincoln designated the final Thursday in November as a day for Americans to give thanks. In 1941, Congress officially established the fourth Thursday of November as the date for Thanksgiving, which remains the case today.
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Pardon Me: Quirky Traditions and Moments Add a Bit of Humor!
Thanksgiving history, while often presented as serious and reflective, has some funny and quirky moments. One amusing aspect is the “Turkey Pardon” tradition that happens at the White House every year. The origins of this tradition are a bit hazy, but one of the earliest stories dates back to President Abraham Lincoln. In 1863, Lincoln’s son, Tad, begged his father to spare a turkey meant for the family’s Christmas dinner. Tad had grown attached to the bird, named it “Jack,” and treated it like a pet. Lincoln gave in and pardoned the turkey, allowing it to live.
The modern Turkey Pardon tradition, however, didn’t become an official and consistent practice until President George H. W. Bush made it an annual event in 1989. Every year since then, a live turkey is ceremoniously “pardoned” by the President and allowed to live out its days peacefully on a farm, instead of becoming dinner. What’s funny is that these turkeys often become mini-celebrities, sometimes getting flown first-class to Washington, D.C. for the ceremony. They’re given names like “Peas and Carrots” or “Corn and Cob,” and some even get fan followings.
Another funny Thanksgiving tidbit is the “Franksgiving” debacle in 1939. President Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to move Thanksgiving a week earlier to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy. However, this decision caused a nationwide uproar, with some people celebrating Thanksgiving on the new date and others sticking to the traditional one. This led to confusion, especially since some states followed FDR’s change and others didn’t. Football games, parades, and family plans were all thrown into chaos. Eventually, in 1941, Congress stepped in and permanently set Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, putting an end to the “Franksgiving” controversy.
What in the World: A Few Notable Worldwide Celebrations
Germany – Erntedankfest
Germany celebrates Erntedankfest, which translates to “Harvest Thanksgiving Festival.” It’s celebrated in late September or early October, usually the first Sunday in October. While it is more of a religious festival than a family-centered holiday, Germans still give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Traditional foods at Erntedankfest often include fruits, grains, and other crops. In rural areas, some churches even parade large crowns made of grains. While turkey isn’t as common, celebrations may feature dishes like roast chicken, goose, or pork.
Japan – Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
In Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on November 23rd. This modern holiday is based on ancient rice harvest festivals called Niinamesai, where the emperor traditionally offered the first rice harvest to the gods. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day is more focused on honoring workers’ rights and celebrating productivity rather than being about food or harvest. While there are no specific food traditions, it’s a day to express gratitude for hard work and give thanks to those in the workforce.
Liberia
Liberia, a West African country founded by freed American slaves, celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November. The holiday was introduced by the settlers, and while it shares some similarities with the American version, Liberian Thanksgiving incorporates local traditions and foods. Liberians might serve dishes like spicy roasted chicken, cassava, or mashed plantains instead of turkey.
Grenada
Grenada celebrates an unusual version of Thanksgiving on October 25th, which commemorates the anniversary of the U.S. military intervention in Grenada in 1983. While this “Thanksgiving” has political and historical origins, it’s not a harvest festival, and it’s unique to the Caribbean nation.
The Netherlands – Leiden’s Thanksgiving Service
Leiden, a city in the Netherlands, has a connection to American Thanksgiving through the Pilgrims. Before the Pilgrims sailed to the New World, they lived in Leiden for several years. To honor this connection, Leiden holds a non-denominational Thanksgiving service at a local church on the same day as American Thanksgiving. It’s more of a historical reflection than a celebration involving a large meal.
In the End
While Thanksgiving in the U.S. is rooted in a specific historical event involving Pilgrims and Native Americans, other countries have developed their own versions of harvest festivals or days of thanks. These celebrations often revolve around giving thanks for the harvest, though they can vary greatly in customs, food, and timing. As the year nears its end, what a great excuse to gather together, reflect on what has been, take down a few turkey legs (or 8 if you’re a turducken), maybe some deviled eggs or green bean casserole, topped off with pumpkin or pecan pie, and fall asleep watching some football!
Did Someone Say Turducken?
If you’re hungry for more, check out the evolution of NFL’s Thanksgiving Day games, traditions, and how the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys became hosts!
