Thanksgiving: A Tradition of Gratitude and Reflection

The History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving holds a significant place in American culture, often regarded with the same reverence as Christmas and Easter. This cherished holiday, steeped in tradition, traces its roots back to the early days of the nation’s founding.

The Pilgrims, early European settlers, endured tremendous hardships as they sought to establish a foothold in the New World. Facing harsh winters in the northeastern regions, unpredictable relations with Native Americans, disease, and the challenge of cultivating food in unfamiliar land, survival was an ongoing struggle. With limited resources, building homes that could withstand the bitter cold and securing enough food were constant concerns for these early settlers.

It was the intervention of a Native American leader named Squanto, from the Patuxet tribe, that marked a pivotal moment in the Pilgrims' survival. Having learned English and understanding the needs of the settlers, Squanto acted as an intermediary and guide. He, along with others from local tribes, shared essential knowledge with the settlers—teaching them how to grow corn, fish in local waters, and hunt game, including the wild turkeys that would later become central to the Thanksgiving feast.

This early act of friendship laid the foundation for what would become Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims, in 1621, held a feast to celebrate their first successful harvest, inviting their Native American allies to join in the festivities. The tradition of giving thanks for blessings continued, with the Virginia Colony later establishing a formal day of collective prayer and thanksgiving.

Modern Day Celebrations

Today, Thanksgiving is not just a day to remember the generosity of Squanto and the Native American tribes but also an opportunity to reflect on our own lives. It is a time to express gratitude for the abundance of blessings we enjoy, including health, family, and the opportunities that come with living in a free nation.

The foods we associate with Thanksgiving—turkey, potatoes, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and green beans—are a nod to the early settlers' experiences. These were foods either native to the region or those the Pilgrims learned to cultivate with the help of their Native American neighbors. Turkey, a bird native to North America, has become a symbol of the holiday, representing the shared bounty that marked those early feasts.

Despite the commercialization and the modern addition of football games and Black Friday shopping, Thanksgiving retains its core meaning. It is a day set aside to come together with loved ones and express gratitude for the privileges we enjoy, whether it be our health, our livelihoods, or the opportunities available to us in America. It reminds us that, much like the Pilgrims, we are resilient and can thrive with hard work and a sense of community.

This enduring tradition is one of true thankfulness—a time to appreciate the good in our lives and reflect on the values that unite us.

Briana Dickey, Administrative Assistant