First Thanksgiving Facts And Fiction

Children learn about the first Thanksgiving in school as a day when new pilgrim settlers and Indians came together for a bountiful feast. In school, they make Thanksgiving crafts, like tracings of their hands decorated as turkeys or Indian head-dresses made of construction paper.

Perhaps they eat pumpkin candies or decorate a classroom cornucopia. Yes, there is much to be thankful for, and Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to reflect upon our country's humble beginnings.

The pilgrims brought seafood, like lobster, mussels, cod, eel and clams with them on the Mayflower. They also frequently ate duck, goose, crane, swan, partridge, eagles, wild turkey, deer and seal meat.

The first Thanksgiving may have included things like: pumpkin, peas, beans, onions, lettuce, radishes, carrots, white/red grapes, red/black plums, walnuts, chestnuts, flint corn, acorns and food seasoned with olive oil, liverwort, leeks, dried currants, "sallet" herbs, ginger, nutmeg, salt, dried pepper or parsnips. A lot of dried foods were likely served since there was no refrigeration back then.

Perhaps it will be your first Thanksgiving feast, orchestrating the festivities at your home. It would behoove you to think of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and learn a few lessons. First of all, keep it simple: the carnivores want their meat, and a vegetable would be nice, but you don't have to go overboard with the breads, cakes and pies. Secondly, as the children customarily served the adults, have your kids help out by setting the table and doing other simple chores.

Thirdly, don't forget to say your prayers and give thanks for health and good fortune. Last but not least, make yourself a nice Thanksgiving turkey sandwich for breakfast the next morning!

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