The story of Thanksgiving begins more than four centuries ago, long before it became the holiday we recognize today. Its roots lie in a moment of survival, cooperation, and gratitude shared between two very different communities.
The Arrival of the Pilgrims – 1620
In 1620, a group of English settlers known as the Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic on a ship called the Mayflower.
They were in search of religious freedom and a new start in an unfamiliar land.
The journey was long and dangerous. After 66 difficult days at sea, they finally reached North America and began building a settlement called Plymouth, located in present-day Massachusetts.
However, the first winter was brutal.
Cold weather, hunger, and disease caused nearly half of the Pilgrims to lose their lives.
A Turning Point: Meeting the Wampanoag
In the spring of 1621, something remarkable happened.
The Pilgrims met the Wampanoag, the Native American tribe that had lived in the region for thousands of years.
A Wampanoag man named Tisquantum, also known as Squanto, played a key role.
He taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, find food, fish in local waters, and survive in the unfamiliar environment.
This cooperation marked the beginning of a peaceful relationship between the two groups.
The First Thanksgiving Feast – Fall 1621
By the autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims finally had a successful harvest.
To celebrate the season and express gratitude, they organized a three-day feast.
They invited Chief Massasoit and approximately 90 Wampanoag people to join them.
This gathering included:
- Roasted meats
- Corn dishes
- Local vegetables
- Seafood
- Games and shared activities
Although it wasn’t called “Thanksgiving” at the time, this event is widely considered the first Thanksgiving celebration in American history.
From Tradition to National Holiday
Different colonies continued holding their own days of thanks over the years, but Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday immediately.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared a national day of Thanksgiving during the Civil War.
His goal was to bring the nation together and encourage a spirit of unity.
Later, in 1941, the U.S. Congress established the modern date of Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November.
Why the First Thanksgiving Still Matters
The 1621 feast represents more than food and celebration.
It symbolizes:
- Gratitude during difficult times
- Cooperation between two cultures
- Hope for a new beginning
Even today, the holiday reminds us of the importance of community, generosity, and giving thanks.