Throughout America, the origin of Thanksgiving stands as a testament to unity, resilience, and gratitude. Rooted in the early 17th century, this historic event finds its narrative woven through tangible artifacts and primary sources that illuminate the Pilgrims’ journey and the first celebrated feast.
William Bradford’s, “Of Plymouth Plantation,” serves as a pivotal piece for understanding the origins of Thanksgiving. Penned between 1620 and 1647, Bradford’s journal summarizes the trials and tribulations of the Pilgrims, detailing their arduous journey, challenges in settling the land, and their interactions with the indigenous people. The original manuscript portions and early printed copies of this historical text are in sanctuary in esteemed libraries and historical repositories. It is true witness to the Pilgrims’ voyage and their gratitude in celebration.
Another such invaluable artifact is “Mourt’s Relation,” penned by Edward Winslow and William Bradford in 1622. The book is a primary source, which chronicles the Pilgrims’ arrival aboard the Mayflower and their settlement in the Plymouth Colony. It shares vivid accounts of the first Thanksgiving, a purposeful gathering where Pilgrims and Wampanoag, Native Americans, came to share a feast and celebrate the bountiful harvest, thus fostering bonds of friendship.
These historic manuscripts offer a first hand view into a pivotal moment in American history, revealing the Pilgrims’ resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity and their combined spirit with the indigenous communities. Moreso, tangible artifacts from the Wampanoag tribe, preserved in museums like the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, contribute to this narrative by showcasing the cultural facets of the Native Americans during that period. Preserved in museums, libraries, and historical societies, these historic pieces stand as silent witnesses, guiding our understanding of Thanksgiving’s origins and the enduring values it represents in the fabric of American identity.
The essence of Thanksgiving, viewed through the lens of American patriots, echoes the themes of fortitude, gratitude, unity and spirit. These tangible pieces of history serve as touchstones, grounding the significance of Thanksgiving as an American holiday in the foundational principles of freedom, perseverance, and intercultural harmony.
Thanksgiving is something we can all appreciate.
