February 09, 2010
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November 26, 2009

America's Indestructible Thanksgiving Tradition

By Patrick J. Zuniga
Do you know what actually happened in 1621? Do people realize what these honored Pilgrims were really like? Usually the perpetrators who ask questions of this nature come packaged in partisan slant à la mode and/or a salacious historical tabloid parfait. One cannot help but detect the soap-opera undertones. The questioner's crusading agenda is to expose the "hidden truths" of revered personages and historical landmarks. Many of these modern renditions are not complimentary. Most are spurious. Other perspectives simply make issues out of non-issues. Research microscopes have been dusted off in order to focus on the common flaws and ignore the uncommon virtues of our founding fathers and mothers. Each passing decade has seen a little more denigration of the good and important things relating to Plymouth Plantation's inimitable existence and a little more magnification of its mistakes. Now what was it that our beloved sixteenth president used to say? Oh yeah: "If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will."

Consequently, a treasured episode in American history has long been under attack from sporadic sniper shots of skewed revisionism. In spite of all this diabolical cynicism, or the reality of mankind's depraved tendencies, the gem of a triumphant human saga giving birth to an enduring tradition still shines on. Here is a concise recounting of the Pilgrims' heart-touching Thanksgiving story:

Separatists in Scrooby, England desired a place to live and practice their religious persuasion without harassment from the politically correct Anglican Church. A strong passion for liberty initially led them to Dutch Holland circa 1609. An eleven-year stay in Leyden coupled with much prayer eventually motivated the Christian sect to set sail for Northern Virginia. Their Mayflower journey and first months in America provided both hardships and miracles -- or a series of auspicious coincidences, if you prefer. Details relating to the persecuted group's trials and triumphs are preserved in trustworthy documents, viz, William Bradford's journals. Many passengers on this voyage, it should be noted, were not separatists.

After a stormy transatlantic crossing blew them off course captain Christopher Jones anchored the Mayflower in Massachusetts Bay in November of 1620. The company decided to stay rather than head south to their licensed destination. Legal and social considerations prompted leaders of this civic body to compose and ratify a new charter -- The Mayflower Compact. An expeditionary force was also quickly launched in order to secure a land-based dwelling site. Minor skirmishes broke out with indigenous tribes, most likely because this fact-finding mission carelessly violated native property. As New England's weather grew severe, a garrison was constructed at Plymouth. Misfortune hit hard with a devastating first winter, while death tolls saw the community cut almost in half. Governor Bradford's suffering colony was blessed with a desperately needed respite during the following spring and summer. An "ingathering" feast was joyfully arranged in late 1621 per his memoirs. King Massasoit and local natives of the Wampanoag, who some time earlier chose to befriend and help the fledgling settlers, were welcomed, if not specifically invited.
... our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others.  And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want,  that we often wish you partakers of our plentie.
-The writings of Edward Winslow in Mourt's Relation - part vi


on "America's Indestructible Thanksgiving Tradition"
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