DID YOU KNOW?!
As noted in my first blog on the topic of Thanksgiving, (Thanksgiving: From Plymouth Rock to Modern Tradition) the history of Thanksgiving is often portrayed as originating in 1621 with images of harmony between Native Americans and European settlers. However, the events of 1565 and 1637 reveal a more complex and darker side to this narrative, challenging our understanding of what the “first Thanksgiving” truly represents.
The First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine, 1565
- Date and Establishment: On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, along with 800 Spanish settlers, established the settlement of St. Augustine in La Florida, the first permanent European settlement in North America.
- Celebration and Feast: Immediately following their arrival, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, the first pastor of St. Augustine. This was followed by a feast, which included the native Seloy tribe. The feast likely consisted of cocido (a stew of salted pork and garbanzo beans), hard sea biscuits, red wine, and potentially contributions from the Seloy, such as turkey, venison, tortoise, seafood, maize, beans, and squash.
- Significance: This event is considered by some as the first community act of religion and thanksgiving in North America, predating the more commonly recognized Pilgrim feast by 56 years.
- Historical Context: Despite its historical precedence, the St. Augustine Thanksgiving did not evolve into a national tradition, overshadowed by the British victory over Spanish and French forces in North America and the subsequent popularization of the Pilgrim story.
The Pequot Massacre: 1637
- Date and Incident: In 1637, near present-day Groton, Connecticut, a devastating event occurred during the Pequot Tribe’s annual Green Corn Festival. English and Dutch mercenaries surrounded the sleeping Pequots, leading to the massacre of over 700 men, women, and children. This was followed by the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declaring a "Day Of Thanksgiving" for the massacre.
- Aftermath and Further Violence: The massacre led to further colonial aggression against Native tribes. Subsequent raids and massacres against the Natives were often followed by "thanksgiving" celebrations. These events became increasingly brutal, with the sale of Native children into slavery and the display of Native heads as trophies.
- Shift in Observance: The transformation of Thanksgiving from a celebration of colonial victories to a more unified national holiday began with George Washington suggesting a single day of Thanksgiving. Abraham Lincoln later established Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the Civil War, shifting the focus from colonial triumphs to national unity and gratitude.
Why These Events are Considered the 'Real' First Thanksgivings
- St. Augustine, 1565: The St. Augustine feast is considered by some as the true first Thanksgiving due to its chronological precedence and the fact that it was a peaceful gathering of Europeans and Native Americans sharing a meal in gratitude.
- Pequot Massacre, 1637: While not a celebration in the traditional sense, the declaration of a Day of Thanksgiving following the Pequot massacre represents a significant, albeit dark, moment in the evolution of the holiday, reflecting the colonial mindset and its impact on Native populations.
Conclusion
- Learning from History: These events, particularly the Pequot massacre, serve as a stark reminder of the complex and often tragic history surrounding Thanksgiving. They highlight the importance of understanding and acknowledging the full historical context of the holiday, beyond the traditional narrative of harmony and gratitude.
As Always, Thanks For Reading
Rick
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