First Thanksgiving Celebration Duration Explained Simply

The first Thanksgiving celebration, which took place in 1621 at Plymouth Colony, is often shrouded in mystery, with many details about the event being subject to interpretation and debate among historians. One of the most enduring questions surrounding this historical gathering is its duration. Understanding how long the first Thanksgiving lasted requires examining the primary sources from that period, particularly the accounts left by William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony, and Edward Winslow, one of the Pilgrims who attended the feast.

Winslow’s account provides the most detailed description available of the event. He writes: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, so that we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the company almost a week, at which time amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted.”

From Winslow’s description, it’s clear that the celebration lasted for three days. The event was not just a simple meal but a broader celebration that included recreational activities such as “exercising our arms” (likely referring to military drills or shooting competitions) and feasting with the Wampanoag tribe, led by Massasoit. The presence of the Wampanoag and the activities described suggest that the gathering was as much about diplomacy and celebration of the harvest as it was about communal bonding.

Historical Context and Significance

To understand the significance of the three-day duration, it’s helpful to consider the cultural and historical context. For the Pilgrims, who were primarily of English origin, harvest festivals were common. The English had a tradition of celebrating the harvest with feasts and festivities, a practice that dated back to pre-Christian times. The three-day celebration can be seen as an extension of these traditions, adapted to the new circumstances in Plymouth.

The involvement of the Wampanoag tribe adds another layer of complexity to the event. The Wampanoag had their own traditions and reasons for participating in the celebration. The alliance between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag was crucial for the survival of the Plymouth Colony, and the feast may have served as a reinforcement of this alliance.

Modern-Day Celebrations and Misconceptions

In contrast to the original three-day celebration, modern-day Thanksgiving in the United States is typically observed as a one-day event, usually on the fourth Thursday of November. Over time, the historical details of the first Thanksgiving have been subject to various interpretations and myth-making. Some common misconceptions include the idea that the first Thanksgiving was a uniquely American event or that it was solely a meal between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. In reality, the event was part of a broader cultural and historical context that involved both European and Native American traditions.

In conclusion, the first Thanksgiving’s three-day duration was a reflection of its significance as both a cultural celebration and a diplomatic event. Understanding this historical context helps in appreciating the complexities and nuances of this foundational American narrative. By examining the primary sources and considering the historical and cultural backgrounds, we can gain a deeper insight into the nature and significance of the first Thanksgiving celebration.