The first Thanksgiving ever was during the autumn of 1621, but it wasn’t originally called Thanksgiving. It was first called “A Harvest Celebration.” What made the harvest so successful was the fact that at least 90 Wampanoag people joined 52 English settlers at Plymouth to celebrate. Thanksgiving used to be celebrated by individuals, colonies and states but it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday that happens every year in November. But how do you think people celebrated Thanksgiving when it first started?
“I think, back in the day, Americans celebrated thanksgiving by collecting friends, families, and neighbors and celebrating their gratitude through foods, drinks, and sweets. I believe it was much less materialized than thanksgiving is today, and the decor was natural; not bought. The authenticity of the holiday cultivated tens of decades of tradition which are still seen today, but sheltered through socio economic expansion,” said senior Stephen Vautrin.
Colonists in early New England and Canada did days of prayers for many different reasons like for hunts, harvests, and victories in battles. While there was a larger population of turkey back then, the Plymouth went to hunt easier prey like geese and ducks. The Wampanoag brought fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables, and beer. All the colonists feasted outside because there wouldn’t be enough space for everyone. The men fired guns and ran races. Is the way the colonists celebrated Thanksgiving much different from modern times?
“To be honest, I don’t really do Thanksgiving. It seems like it’s very similar to how it’s celebrated. I find that the food obviously has changed since those times. Instead of geese and ducks, people have turkey. Instead of fish, eels, or shellfish, people make mash potatoes, cranberry,” said senior Ivy Chi.
Modern day Thanksgiving is what we all know and love. Thanksgiving now is a time for family and friends. Thanksgiving traditional foods include turkey, Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and etc. For entertainment families watch football or shop online for Black Friday. Many people during Thanksgiving like to give back to their communities like volunteering and donating. There are parades and big events that happen during Thanksgiving.
“I love watching the Macy’s day parade and looking for new things to buy on Black Friday and cyber Monday. It’s just such a festive and fun time that I get to spend with my family and friends and eat a nice meal,” said senior Evette Urban.
All things considered, Thanksgiving has changed a lot since 1621, when the Wampanoag tribe and the English were celebrated. Today there are family gatherings, traditional foods, and gratitude. New traditions come with much different food from a few hundred years ago. But one thing is for certain, turkey is always going to be the main star of the show.
