Thanksgiving, one of America’s most cherished holidays, is steeped in history, tradition, and a profound sense of gratitude. Its roots trace back to the Pilgrims' perilous journey to the New World, their struggles for survival, and the eventual proclamation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. This article explores the history of Thanksgiving, the significant challenges faced by the Pilgrims, the cultural exchanges with Native Americans, and the pivotal roles played by Sarah Josepha Hale and Abraham Lincoln. It concludes with insights into how the values of preparedness and faith exemplified by the Pilgrims remain relevant today.
The Pilgrims: A Journey of Faith and Sacrifice
The Pilgrims, originally known as Separatists, were a devout group of English Christians who sought freedom from the oppressive religious practices imposed by the Church of England. Under King James I, dissenters faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death. In 1608, seeking refuge, the group fled to the Netherlands, where religious tolerance was granted.
However, after more than a decade in Leiden, they became concerned about the assimilation of their children into Dutch culture and longed to establish a community that could live according to their beliefs without compromise. Thus, they made the bold decision to voyage to the New World, an uncharted land that promised both freedom and immense hardship.
In 1620, the Pilgrims secured a charter through the Virginia Company to settle in the New World. They departed aboard the Mayflower, a small merchant ship not designed for passengers, carrying 102 men, women, and children. The two-month voyage was grueling; the Pilgrims endured storms, disease, and cramped conditions. Despite their hopes of landing in the Virginia territory, strong winds pushed them off course, and they eventually anchored at Cape Cod in November 1620.
The Harsh First Winter
The Pilgrims’ arrival marked the beginning of an incredibly challenging chapter. The New England winter was harsher than anything they had experienced. Their survival was precarious without adequate shelter, food, or preparation for the climate. Diseases like scurvy and pneumonia swept through the group, claiming the lives of nearly half the settlers by the spring of 1621. Among the original 102 passengers, only 53 survived to see the spring.
Despite these dire circumstances, the Pilgrims were resolute. Their faith was their guiding light, and they believed their survival was part of a divine plan. In their darkest hours, they prayed for strength and guidance, reinforcing their bonds as a community and their trust in God’s providence.
The Role of the Wampanoag and the First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims' survival hinged on the intervention and assistance of the local Native American tribes, particularly the Wampanoag. This Algonquian-speaking people had lived in the region for thousands of years and understood the land’s rhythms and resources. The relationship between the two groups was tenuous at first, but mutual need fostered a fragile alliance.
Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe who had been captured and enslaved by English explorers years earlier, played a critical role. He had learned English during his time in captivity and acted as an interpreter and guide for the Pilgrims. Squanto taught them essential survival techniques, such as how to plant maize (corn), use fish as fertilizer, and harvest native plants.
In the fall of 1621, following a successful harvest, the Pilgrims organized a three-day feast to give thanks for their survival and the blessings they had received. The Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, joined them, bringing venison and other contributions to the feast. This event, now considered the first Thanksgiving, was a moment of unity, albeit brief, in the complex relationship between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving in America
For more than two centuries after the 1621 feast, Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically across the colonies and early states, often as a local observance rather than a national event. During this time, Thanksgiving retained its religious roots, serving as a day of prayer, fasting, and gratitude.
In 1789, President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation, designating November 26 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. Washington’s proclamation emphasized gratitude for the establishment of the new Constitution and the peace and prosperity it promised. However, subsequent presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, declined to make Thanksgiving a regular national holiday, viewing it as too intertwined with religion.
Sarah Josepha Hale: The Persistence of a Visionary
The woman most responsible for transforming Thanksgiving into a national institution was Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th-century author and editor best known for her nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Hale believed deeply in the unifying power of a national day of gratitude, particularly at a time when sectional divisions threatened the United States.
For 17 years, Hale used her platform as editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book to advocate for Thanksgiving. She wrote editorials, published recipes, and petitioned presidents, governors, ministers, and other officials to support the idea. Hale’s campaign culminated in a letter to President Abraham Lincoln during the height of the Civil War, urging him to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday to foster unity and healing.
Abraham Lincoln: Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln responded to Hale’s plea. Amid the Civil War, Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. His words emphasized the importance of gratitude, even in the face of profound suffering and division.
Lincoln’s proclamation framed Thanksgiving as a moment to reflect on the blessings of liberty, unity, and abundance, even as the nation grappled with the horrors of war. Lincoln ensured its enduring place in American culture by linking Thanksgiving to the ideals of healing and gratitude.
Thanksgiving in the 20th Century
The holiday underwent further changes in the 20th century. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday of November to extend the holiday shopping season and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. However, the move proved unpopular, and in 1941, Congress passed a resolution officially fixing Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
Lessons from the Pilgrims: Faith, Resilience, and Preparedness
The Pilgrims’ story continues to resonate as a lesson in the importance of resilience and preparation. Their faith, resourcefulness, and ability to adapt to new circumstances ensured their survival in a hostile environment. Today, their legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and preparedness in uncertain times.
This theme is explored in The Practical Guide to Family Preparedness: Easy, Simple, and Cost-Effective Strategies for Every Home to Ensure Peace of Mind During a Crisis, a new book by Scott C. Pyron, who was voted “Best Local Author of 2024” in Elmore County, AL. Pyron’s work offers actionable strategies to help families navigate emergencies with confidence. The book is available on Barnes and Noble, IngramSpark, and Amazon.
Thanksgiving Today: A Reflection of Gratitude
Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, share a meal, and express gratitude for life’s blessings. It is a holiday that transcends its historical origins, emphasizing the universal values of gratitude, community, and resilience.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us honor the sacrifices of the Pilgrims, the generosity of the Wampanoag, and the visionaries like Hale and Lincoln who shaped this cherished tradition. Above all, let it be a day to reflect on the power of faith, family, and the enduring human spirit.
Spotlight on Scott C. Pyron
Scott C. Pyron, celebrated author and voted the "Best Local Author of 2024 in Elmore County, AL," has released a new book, The Practical Guide to Family Preparedness: Easy, Simple and Cost-Effective Strategies for Every Home to Ensure Peace of Mind During a Crisis. Pyron’s work offers practical insights into preparedness, echoing the resilience and resourcefulness demonstrated by the Pilgrims.
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Sources
- Bradford, William. Of Plymouth Plantation.
- Winslow, Edward. Letter describing the first Thanksgiving (1621).
- Hale, Sarah Josepha. Advocacy for Thanksgiving (1863).
- Lincoln, Abraham. Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863).
- Pyron, Scott C. The Practical Guide to Family Preparedness. Amazon.com.