Thanksgiving: History and Horrors

Thanksgiving is a very fun, educational and celebratory holiday for many people. It has been celebrated for many years. A lot of people know that in 1621 a fall harvest fest was held between colonists and Native Americans that is commonly referred to as “the first Thanksgiving.” Of course that is very different than nowadays where Thanksgiving is considered more of a patriotic holiday. Another difference between the “first Thanksgiving” and how Thanksgiving is celebrated now is that Thanksgiving is now only celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November. The “first Thanksgiving” however was actually celebrated in october. Many also believed that “the first thanksgiving” was a peaceful gathering, but history shows that Thanksgiving’s roots may be darker than you think.

Although the Wampanoag Tribe was very helpful to English colonists (leading to the “first thanksgiving”) that did not mean it would always be that way. The English colonists spread diseases that the Wampanog had no immunities to, took up land and tried to assert dominance over the Wampanoag in many ways. So when a few of Metacomet’s subjects (the chief of the Wampanoag tribe at the time) were executed, war began. The fighting became so persistent that other tribes like the Narragansett began to become part of the war as well. Eventually after countless raids, battles, and arsons the war was won, by the colonists and Metacomet’s head was placed on a spike in Plymouth. This war, known as “King Philip's War” (because Metacomet was called King Philip by the English) had been brutal. Even though it was held between the two forces that shared the “first Thanksgiving” together just years earlier.

Although Thanksgiving has a pretty brutal history, people still celebrate it nationwide in many different ways to this day. One student Brandon Morales said “We cook a special meal.” 

Anonymous says “My family always likes to host a big party, but this year we’re just inviting 10 or 11 people over for Thanksgiving, so my dad and a couple other of my relatives are coming to New York. My uncle always makes turkey, and my other uncle makes this awesome mac and cheese.”

Issac says “My family doesn’t really have any family traditions but sometimes we make a traditional dish from my culture, Costa Rica.”

But not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving. 6th grader Or Kosover said “ I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving  because I was born in Israel.”

Thanksgiving is celebrated by many, and we hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!