A real Thanksgiving

“The first proclamation of the first American “thanksgiving” was November 1, 1777, when the 13 colonies joined together over victory of the British at Saratoga.” — The Real Thanksgiving Story, Native Partnership.org

According to Romana Peters, a Wampanoag historian, the Native Americans heard canons and wanted to check the noise out. They were told the Pilgrims were celebrating a good harvest, which the Native Americans had helped make happen. They stayed to ensure it was just a celebration. Squanto, a Native American, had been captured by the Spanish to be sold into slavery back in Spain. He escaped and made his way to England, where he learned English. Upon his return to the Colonies, he became an emissary between the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims viewed the Native Americans as savages because they practiced a different “religion,” so there was no sitting at the table together. It became a national holiday under President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to give a respite to the people during the Civil War.  (Native Partnership.org)

I like the fictionalized version better because it is two different groups coming together to break bread. In our divided world, this version of the story makes it seem possible to work together for good. Also, it means that each side has listened to the other.

The synagogue I belong to runs a homeless shelter in the cold months. Every year, my mom and I volunteer to stay over one night, and I cook the dinner meal. It is meaningful for me to do this because I learn the stories of the men or women who come to the shelter. If I want people to listen to me and my story, then I need to do the same for others. Some of the homeless guests have college degrees and had jobs, families, and a more stable life. Hearing their tales reminds me to be grateful for what I have (and to continue learning about other people).

Some in the Native American community view Thanksgiving as a day of mourning for all the ancestors who died at the hands of the pilgrims and colonists and for the loss of their land.

On this Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful and to recognize how we got to this holiday and what it means to each person. As you break bread with family, friends, or even strangers, please listen to their stories and share your own (and try not to eat too much pie).