The Truth About What Was Really Eaten at the First Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov. 28, 2024, 3:30 p.m. Health

The Truth About What Was Really Eaten at the First Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a significant holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, and it is often associated with a traditional feast featuring dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many of us have learned about the first Thanksgiving feast in school, where the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to give thanks for the successful harvest. However, the modern Thanksgiving meal has evolved significantly from the food that was actually eaten at the first Thanksgiving dinner in 1621.

The first Thanksgiving feast was a three-day celebration held by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. The Pilgrims had arrived in America on the Mayflower in 1620 and faced a harsh winter where many of them died due to disease and starvation. Fortunately, with the help of the Wampanoag tribe, the Pilgrims learned how to grow crops like corn, beans, and squash, which helped them survive.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no definitive historical record detailing the exact menu of the first Thanksgiving feast. Primary sources such as the journal of William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony, provide some insights into the types of food that were present at the meal. It is believed that the feast likely consisted of dishes like venison, wild fowl (which could have been ducks, geese, or swans), seafood (such as fish and shellfish), corn, and other vegetables.

One key ingredient that was missing from the first Thanksgiving feast was the iconic roasted turkey. While it is possible that wild turkey was served during the meal, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Turkeys were abundant in the region and would have been familiar to both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, making it plausible that they were part of the feast. However, historical records do not specifically mention turkey as a featured dish at the first Thanksgiving.

Another popular modern-day Thanksgiving dish missing from the original feast is mashed potatoes. Potatoes were not commonly grown in New England during that time, and it is unlikely that they were served at the first Thanksgiving. Instead, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely enjoyed dishes made with corn, which was a staple crop for both groups.

The absence of certain foods like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving feast can be attributed to the lack of sugar and ovens in the early colonial period. Cranberries were likely present at the meal, but they would have been tart and not made into the sugary sauce we enjoy today. Similarly, pumpkins were used in savory dishes rather than sweet desserts due to the limited availability of sugar.

Despite the differences between the first Thanksgiving feast and the modern-day celebration, the core idea of coming together to give thanks and celebrate abundance remains consistent. The event symbolizes the spirit of gratitude and unity, which transcends the specific foods on the table.

In conclusion, while the exact menu of the first Thanksgiving feast remains a mystery, historical evidence suggests that the Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely enjoyed a meal featuring venison, wild fowl, seafood, corn, and other vegetables. The absence of certain modern-day Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie highlights the evolution of the holiday meal over time. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the true spirit of the holiday and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.