The modern Thanksgiving celebration is synonymous with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But how much do these dishes mirror what was actually eaten at the first Thanksgiving in 1621? Let’s delve into the historical records and uncover the true menu of that pivotal harvest feast.
The Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today is rooted in a harvest festival shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe at Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, in 1621. This gathering was a celebration of the colonists’ successful first harvest in the New World. Unlike our fixed date on the fourth Thursday of November, the original Thanksgiving likely took place earlier in the autumn, closer to the actual harvest time.
Interestingly, the establishment of Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday came much later. It was Abraham Lincoln in 1863 who revived the idea, prompted by Sarah Josepha Hale who believed a national Thanksgiving celebration would help unite the country after the Civil War. The date was officially set by Congress in 1941.
What Was on the Menu at the First Thanksgiving?
Surprisingly, our knowledge of the first Thanksgiving feast is limited. Only two surviving documents directly reference the event, offering glimpses into the menu. These accounts mention:
- Deer: Freshly killed deer was a primary component of the meal.
- Wildfowl: A variety of wild birds were served.
- Fish: Cod and bass were plentiful and part of the feast.
- Flint Corn: A native variety of corn, prepared as cornbread and porridge.
These documents provide the core of our understanding of the first Thanksgiving food. However, we can extrapolate further based on available resources, common culinary practices of the time, and what the Wampanoag people would have contributed.
Beyond the Records: Reconstructing the Feast
Considering the available resources and culinary habits, the first Thanksgiving menu likely included:
- Wildfowl Variety: While turkey might not have been the star, duck, geese, and potentially even passenger pigeons or swans were likely present. These birds were probably stuffed with onions and nuts.
- Seafood Abundance: Seafood, often absent from modern Thanksgiving tables, was probably a significant component of the meal. Fish, eel, lobster, and mussels were all readily available.
- Native Produce: The Wampanoag’s agricultural knowledge would have provided a range of vegetables. Peas, beans, squash, and flint corn were likely featured. Additionally, vegetables brought from England, such as cabbage and carrots, might have been present.
What Wasn’t on the First Thanksgiving Table
Equally important is understanding what was missing from the first Thanksgiving feast:
- No Mashed Potatoes or Gravy: White potatoes hadn’t yet made their way from South America, and the colonists lacked the mills necessary to produce flour for gravy.
- No Sweet Potato Casserole: Sweet potatoes, native to the Caribbean, were not yet available in the colonies.
- Cranberry Sauce, Unsweetened: Cranberries might have been part of Wampanoag dishes for tartness, but refined sugar was scarce and expensive, meaning the sweetened cranberry sauce we know today was absent.
- No Pie: Flour and sugar were scarce, meaning that pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies were not on the menu. Pumpkins, however, may have been stewed with vinegar and currants.
Modern Thanksgiving Go-Tos
Today, the Thanksgiving table is usually filled with a variety of dishes that differ greatly from the original feast. Here are some of our modern Thanksgiving favorites:
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Turkey: Although potentially absent at the first Thanksgiving, Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple.
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Our Best Pumpkin Roll: A Thanksgiving dessert made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and clove.
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Brussels Sprouts With Bacon: A delicious side dish of Brussels sprouts.
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Cranberry Curd Tart: A tasty dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the creaminess of curd.
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Angel Corn: A creamy side dish of baked corn.
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Instant Pot Buttermilk & Leek Mashed Potatoes: A creamy mashed potatoes recipe made with buttermilk and leek.
Reflecting on Thanksgiving Traditions
While our modern Thanksgiving feasts have evolved significantly from the original harvest celebration, understanding the history of the holiday and the foods that were (and weren’t) present can add a richer layer to our appreciation. As you enjoy your green bean casserole and mashed potatoes, remember the simpler fare of the first Thanksgiving and the shared experience of gratitude that has endured through centuries. What modern Thanksgiving dish are you most thankful for?
