America’s Thanksgiving Tradition: A Timeless Memorial for all People ~ by Patrick J. Zuniga c. 2009
Do you know what actually happened in 1621? Do people realize what these honored Pilgrims were really like?
Perpetrators who propose questions of this nature usually come packaged in partisan slant a la’mode or a salacious tabloid parfait. One cannot help but detect the eerie soap opera undertones betraying a clear iconoclastic agenda. Many modern renditions of our beloved first Thanksgiving are not complementary. Most are spurious. Other perspectives simply make issues out of non issues. Research microscopes have been dusted off and calibrated for the purpose of focusing entirely on the common flaws of our founding fathers and mothers while ignoring their uncommon virtues. Each passing season has seen a little more denigration of the good and important things surrounding Plymouth Plantation’s inimitable experience, and a little more magnification of their mistakes. Now what was it that our beloved sixteenth President used to say? “If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will.”
Consequently, a treasured episode in American history has been under sporadic sniper shots of revisionism. In spite of all this diabolical working, the gem of a triumphant human saga, which gave us an enduring tradition, still shines on. Here is a concise recounting of the Pilgrim’s heart touching Thanksgiving story…
Separatists in Scrooby, England desired a place where they could live and practice their religious persuasion without harassment from the politically correct Anglican Church. A strong passion for liberty initially placed them in Dutch Holland, circa 1609. An eleven year stay at Leyden, coupled with much prayer, eventually motivated the Christian sect to set sail for Northern Virginia. Their Mayflower journey and first months in America witnessed both hardships and miracles – or a series of auspicious coincidences if you prefer. Details of the persecuted groups trials and triumphs are preserved in William Bradford’s journal. It should be noted that many passengers on this voyage were not Separatists.
After a stormy transatlantic crossing – which fortuitously (or allegedly) blew them off course – captain Christopher Jones anchored the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor (November of 1620). The company deliberated their situation and decided they would stay where Providence led them rather than head south for the ship’s licensed destination. Legal and social considerations prompted leaders of this civic body to compose and ratify a unique rule of government – The Mayflower Compact. An expeditionary force was then quickly launched in search of a land-based dwelling site. Minor skirmishes with indigenous tribes ensued; quite possibly a native reaction because those very natives recalled Hunt’s treachery (a sea captain who previously deceived and enslaved local inhabitants ). Probably this angry melee occurred simply because the fact finding mission violated native property and food storage. Either way, the offended denizens could not be blamed for attacking the party.
Across the bay a garrison was constructed at Plymouth. Unforeseen tragedy and illness hit hard during that first winter. (1) Death tolls saw the struggling community cut by almost half. Yet, fortune smiled on the weary band of pioneers once again when Governor Bradford’s colony enjoyed the blessings of a desperately needed respite the following spring and summer. An ingathering feast was joyfully arranged in late 1621 per his memoirs. King Massasoit and the people of the Wampanoag, who earlier befriended and secured a peace treaty with the settlers, were welcomed, if not specifically invited.
... our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie. ~ Edward Winslow; Mourt’s Relation
Although the event, as recorded in this 17th century journal, was not called an official thanksgiving feast unto God, the phrase, “…yet by the goodness of God we are so far from want…” speaks interpretive volumes of the colony’s thankfulness to Almighty God. And it cannot be disputed that Mourt’s Relation declares an appreciation for the blossoming friendship which started flourishing between the Pilgrims, Massasoit, and the Wampanoag.
“…Bradford and Massasoit were extraordinary leaders. Their political wisdom, prudence and restraint, allowed them keep in focus principles that enabled the Pilgrims and Wampanoag to live peacefully for decades. The appearance of Samoset and Squanto was fortunate, but the leadership of Bradford and Massasoit was providential.” ~ Robert Jennings Heinsohn
Plymouth colony prospered in the unfolding years. We read in Bradford’s Journal Of Plymouth’s Plantation “In the meantime it pleased the Lord to give the plantation peace and health and contented minds, and so to blese ther labours, as they had corne sufficient…”
William Bradford’s congregation gradually diffused into the flood streams of overwhelming immigrants flowing in from England and Europe. But what his tiny plantation accomplished in the way of inspiring others toward a life of freedom was, and still is, phenomenal. A literal fulfillment, in a cultural sense, of the mustard seed parable written in the gospel of Mark.
Cooperation and friendship, on both sides, were important ingredients kneaded into the successful gala of 1621. Most Americans over time have celebrated this affair because it represents the ongoing freedoms and bounties we enjoy in friendship with one another. Thanksgiving has thus become an iconic institution personifying a universal desire to live a peaceful, free, and abundant community life.
U.S. citizens, patriots, and non biased historians who cherish their country’s national heritage will not stand by and watch the first symbolic thanksgiving get muddled by fault finders. Nor will they shrink from the task of challenging any disgruntled sentiments which caste Mayflower’s Separatists into the same mix as other greedy European fortune hunters. Notwithstanding any actual failings, there is something wonderful in Plymouth’s original narrative; something ineffably deep within the rough of these ordinary folks that only poetry and the most incisive prose can uncover. Without the leadership of William Bradford and William Brewster, the dedication of Cape Cod’s maidens and matrons, the contribution of Massasoit, and diverse persons of like caliber throughout the American legacy, there would not be a United States of America.
Cynical sound bites assaulting the brave pilgrims will undoubtedly continue from certain quarters, but they will never change anything. Because the victorious epic of Plymouth is written in stone. And as long as We the People – and people everywhere – choose thankfulness, the indestructible tradition of commemorating America’s first memorable Thanksgiving will stand firm throughout all generations.
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…” ~ Psalm 100:4
(1) Legends of severe winter weather descending upon the Pilgrim’s at their first landing in Plymouth have been erroneously interpolated in many stories of the historical epic. By most reliable accounts and biographies, the weather was actually quite mild in New England’s winter of 1620-21 (see appendix of: The Pilgrim Republic by John Abbot Goodwin), and the actual ‘severity’ had to do with death tolls rising from sickness. Later winters were extremely severe; in some instances much of the harbor was frozen over. Apparently these later harsh climate conditions got mixed into the re-telling narrative of the first Pilgrim’s winter of 1620-21.
Sources: William Bradford’s Journal ~William Bradford; OF Plymouth Plantation ~William Bradford; Mourt’s Relation ~Edward Winslow and William Bradford; Pilgrims and Wampanoag: The Prudence of William Bradford and Massasoit ~Robert Jennings Heinsohn – https://sail1620.org/Pilgrims_and_Wampanoag; The Pilgrims in Holland ~Robert A. Peterson; The Pilgrim Republic ~ John Abbot Goodwin; The Bible, KJV
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