Giving Thanks

The history of Thanksgiving portrayed as an exaggerated romanticized myth which tells the story of togetherness rather than the eradication of the entire Patuxet Natives of the Wampanoag tribal confederation needs to be amended.  The imagery of Puritans sitting together with Indigenous peoples to celebrate a harmonious coalescence is an insult to reality.  The Pilgrims would not have survived if it wasn’t for the knowledge and giving nature of the Wampanoag and more specifically Tisquantum.

Tisquantum is the real hero of the story of Thanksgiving.  As the last living member of the Patuxet, Tisquantum was primarily responsible for harmony in the region and the survival of the Pilgrims.  As an English speaker, he was able to help broker peace between the Pokanokets and the inhabitants of the Mayflower.  He then lived with the Pilgrims for nearly two years as an interpreter and consultant.  Tisquantum taught the former Europeans how to plant and tend to native crops, which was indispensable since most of the seeds that the Pilgrims brought from England had failed.  When food storage was diminished Tisquantum was relied upon to navigate through dangerous waters on a trade expedition around Cape Cod.  This proved fatal, as Tisquantum got sick and died several days later.

Tisquantum was astonishingly helpful, and even more so when you consider his background.  He was kidnapped and enslaved by English explorer Captain Thomas Hunt.  Tisquantum was trafficked to Spain.  Through a series of unverified events including falling under the evangelization of Franciscan monks he made his way to England and from there returned to his home.  Upon his return he learned that the entirety of the Patuxet was eradicated by disease, he was the last remaining member of his village. A village that was now occupied by the Mayflower Pilgrims and referred to as Plymouth.  Tisquantum went on to live with the Wampanoag before returning to Plymouth as an ambassador for peace and mutual alliance between the Mayflower Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.

Due to Tisquantum’s consultation and advice, in the fall of 1621 the Mayflower Pilgrams were able to reap a harvest of plenty.  In celebration of their yield, the Pilgrims planned a great harvest festival and feast for the inhabitants of Plymouth.  Contrary to the Myth of Thanksgiving, no native tribes were invited.  As part of the festivity, members of the community held a celebration of arms, shooting munitions into the air.

Hearing the gunfire, the Wampanoag arrived at the festival fully armed and prepared to defend the Mayflower Pilgrims against assailants.  With no invaders present, the confusion was cleared, and the Wampanoag were invited to join in the festivities.

There’s a story behind the myth which is more illuminating and inspiring than what is typically presented. Tisquantum is an icon who doesn’t get enough credit in American lore. He should be the face of Thanksgiving, not some Macy’s float or a random turkey!

I really love Thanksgiving, a holiday that asks nothing more than spending time with loved ones, eating good food, and being thankful.  I’m especially thankful for all my family and friends, I’m thankful for all that the sport of rock climbing has given me , I’m thankful for the role that philosophy has played in my life, and among a million other things, I am thankful for the journey propelled by our readers, our friends, and my co-writers at theDIHEDRAL.

A special thanks to Tisquantum and the role he played in bringing to life a holiday based on gratitude!