Thanksgiving is easily one of the most enjoyable holidays. Usually an all-day celebration with plenty of Turkey, Ham, Family, and football to go around.

Story By G. Jimenez

Growing up, one of the most enjoyable traditions was dressing up with our paper made pilgrim and “Indian” costumes in class to eat together before we went off for Fall break. As we all know, certain aspects of the Thanksgiving Holiday tradition have been fabricated through American History.

Historians believe the only evidence of a Thanksgiving Holiday amongst the Pilgrims is a letter written by Edward Winslow in December 1621. He describes a feast of deer presented to Governor William Bradford and others to celebrate the fruit of their labor. Native Indians were only briefly mentioned as the pilgrims were relieved the Natives had agreed to stay peaceful. It wasn’t until the 17th Century did New England begin celebrating Thanksgiving every year. However, it was more of a religious tradition for seven days to give thanks to God for a fruitful year. Imagine seven full days of Thanksgiving food!

As time went on, Thanksgiving became a more critical part of American tradition when George Washington declared February 19, 1975, to be the national day of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Whiskey Rebellion’s end. Then in 1863, after the Battle of Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln declared, “I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States … to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” So, where did we come up with the Thanksgiving story we all know now? Well, the fabricated events of the Wampanoag Natives and the Pilgrims coming together in unity is simply a tale fabricated and embellished throughout history to reassert specific American values throughout time of war or political strife. That doesn’t mean we cannot still enjoy the company of our friends and family while enjoying fantastic food. And the tradition of enjoying friends and family.

Lincoln invited every Citizen of the United States to come together on Thanksgiving in defiance of the civil war and civil unrest within the Country. Something to remember this year while we celebrate in remembrance of those lost to the pandemic.