what did the pilgrims think of as a thanksgiving

Pilgrims viewed Thanksgiving as a solemn religious observance of gratitude to God for survival and harvest bounty, distinct from today's secular feast. Their 1621 event marked relief after half died in the first winter, blending mourning with celebration alongside Wampanoag allies.

Historical Context

The Pilgrims, Separatist Puritans fleeing persecution, endured brutal conditions post-Mayflower landing in 1620. Only 53 of 102 survived the first winter due to disease and starvation, yet a successful corn crop prompted a three-day feast in fall 1621. They saw it as divine providence, propping up muskets as decoys against perceived wilderness threats while crediting God over Native aid.

Religious Meaning

For Pilgrims, "thanksgiving" meant public worship days proclaimed by leaders like Governor Bradford for God's mercy, not routine holidays. They rejected Christmas and Easter as "popery," focusing instead on harvest thanksgivings between September and November. This 1621 gathering involved feasting, games, and grace but stemmed from grief over losses on both sides.

Myths vs. Reality

Popular lore paints a warm, invited Native feast, but Wampanoag likely arrived after hearing gunfire, fearing attack, with Massasoit's visit possibly coincidental. Pilgrims weren't fleeing for general liberty but to build a "hedge" against contamination, viewing the New World as hostile.

• Key differences from modern Thanksgiving : Non-religious public feast (no liturgy beyond grace); survival gratitude amid death, not abundance alone.

• Native role : Wampanoag taught planting, fishing; 90 attended, fostering early alliance before tensions.

• Evolution : Lincoln formalized it in 1863; Pilgrims celebrated sporadically.

"We love the story of Thanksgiving because it’s about alliance and abundance... but that day of thanksgiving is also coming out of mourning."

Multiple Perspectives

Historians note abundance followed misery; Reddit forums debate myths versus ideals of sharing. Native views highlight later atrocities, urging balanced narratives. Recent 2024-2026 discussions (e.g., Substack) affirm one fact: Pilgrims skipped Christmas.

TL;DR : Pilgrims saw Thanksgiving as God-centered survival thanks after near-annihilation, not the mythologized happy harvest party—blending grief, faith, and fragile alliances.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.