Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving? More Than Turkey

The aroma of roasted turkey, the roar of a football game, and the warmth of family gathered around a table – these are the hallmarks of Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, this legally recognized holiday brings a welcome pause to our busy lives, with government offices and schools closing their doors in observance. But as we carve into that traditional bird, a question often whispers through the festive chatter: why do we celebrate Thanksgiving at all? While the modern-day feast is a beloved tradition, its origins tell a story far richer and more complex than a simple harvest festival. To truly understand why this day holds a special place in the American calendar, we must journey back in time, to a pivotal moment in September of 1620.

The Perilous Journey of the Pilgrims

Imagine a transatlantic voyage aboard the Mayflower. This was no pleasure cruise; it was a desperate flight from religious persecution in Europe. A determined group, later known as the Pilgrims, set sail with the hopeful intention of reaching the established colony of Virginia. Their dreams of a new beginning, however, took an unexpected turn. Due to a combination of navigational challenges and unpredictable weather, the Mayflower landed not in Virginia, but on the rugged shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in November of 1620.

This was not the welcoming landing they had envisioned. Instead of fertile farmlands and ready shelter, the Pilgrims were met with the harsh reality of a New England winter. The inclement weather made it impossible to erect adequate shelters or plant their much- needed crops. The elements were unforgiving, and the community, driven by their deep faith, faced an unimaginable struggle. Tragically, the severity of that first winter took a devastating toll. It is estimated that around half of this zealous community sacrificed their lives to the harsh conditions before they could even begin to establish themselves.

A Crucial Alliance: Seeds of Survival

When hope seemed at its dimmest, a miraculous turn of events occurred. In 1621, a Native American named Samoset stepped forward, offering not just aid, but a lifeline. More importantly, he introduced the surviving Pilgrims to Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto, who had learned English through prior encounters, proved to be an invaluable ally. He possessed an intimate knowledge of the land and its resources, knowledge honed over generations.

Squanto’s guidance was instrumental. He taught the struggling Pilgrims the essential skills they needed to survive in this new world. He showed them how to hunt the abundant local wildlife, providing a source of sustenance. Even more critically, he instructed them in the art of planting corn, a staple crop that could sustain them through the lean months. His expertise in agriculture, adapted to the specific soil and climate of New England, was the key to their survival.

The First Harvest, The First Thanksgiving

With Squanto’s invaluable assistance, the surviving Pilgrims were able to plant their crops and, in October of 1621, they reaped the rewards of their labor. It was a successful harvest, a testament to their resilience and the vital support they received. This moment of abundance, of survival against all odds, was a cause for profound gratitude. The Pilgrims, filled with thankfulness for their lives, their newfound skills, and the successful harvest, decided to hold a feast. This event, shared with their Native American benefactors, is widely considered the “First Thanksgiving.”

It’s this spirit of gratitude, this acknowledgment of survival and the importance of community – both the Pilgrims’ internal fortitude and their vital connection with the Native American population – that forms the bedrock of our modern holiday. While the traditional turkey dinner is a delicious echo of the past, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in recognizing the perseverance of those early settlers, the crucial role of indigenous peoples in their survival, and the profound sentiment of thankfulness for what we have, especially in the face of adversity. So this year, as you gather with loved ones, let the conversation go beyond the football scores and the dessert options. Let’s remember the journey, the struggle, the resilience, and the gratitude that truly underpins the heart of Thanksgiving.