Stuffing, mac & cheese, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and best of all a big ol’ turkey, these are just some of the popular dishes that surround one of America’s most celebrated holidays Thanksgiving, although most people celebrate it as a day of “giving thanks” as the name suggests the history behind, it is much more complicated and dark then the average person realizes.
The origins of the holiday come from when the pilgrims landed at Plymouth and survived the harsh winter with the help of the native Wampanog people, who taught them survival strategies such as farming and hunting. When the bitter season ended, as a celebration, the Wampanoag people and the pilgrims shared a meal in November of 1621. This is the story that most Americans were taught and still celebrate, but the feast was only a small part of a larger history filled with pain and suffering for the Wampanog people at the hands of the pilgrims.
The arrival of European settlers, such as the pilgrims brought disease, land, disputes, and violent conflicts that devastated, indigenous communities, and property. For centuries since its inception, and official declaration as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln, thanksgiving has been simplified and used as a way to ignore historic atrocities committed against the native indigenous tribes and instead has been passed off as a holiday to unite people over a meal, focusing on themes like friendship and gratitude which is very misleading given the true history behind the holiday.
Despite the unfortunate past, Thanksgiving can still be a meaningful holiday if people approach it with curiosity. Caring to understand the full history of the day is the first step towards proper respect and remembrance and I have good news, it doesn’t mean you have to give up delicious turkey or pumpkin pie! We can still celebrate in a way that honors both the past and the present. Learning about Native American history, supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, or even discussing the challenges faced by Native communities are ways to acknowledge the truth behind Thanksgiving. These small actions help ensure the holiday is not just about tradition but also about awareness.
This year and beyond, we should all try to celebrate Thanksgiving more thoughtfully by learning, reflecting, and being thankful for who and what we have, and how we came to receive these gifts. If we all do this we can make the holiday more honest, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone.