An actual eyewitness of that 1st Thanksgiving (Nov. 1620) was Edward Winslow, a first-comer on the Mayflower. He wrote the following colorful description in his personal account of the founding of Plymouth Plantation:
“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, so that we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little outside help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their great king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
Edward Winslow, Mourt’s Relation, 72
At that time the Pilgrims were weak and small in size (approx. 52 people–men, women, and children) and the Indians out numbered them greatly (over 90 men). They enjoyed, however, a joyous and peaceful celebration of God’s good blessing upon them. During this time the food was plentiful (with harvested grains, “fowl,” and “five deer”), the feasting was continual (“for three days”), and the entertainments were enjoyable (“we exercised our arms” i.e. fired off their weapons). Here is a beautiful picture of two different cultures gathering together in peace to give sincere thanks to God for his many blessings. It is no wonder that this event captured the imagination of the descendants of the Pilgrims, so that Thanksgiving Day remains an ever popular holiday in modern-day America. May it ever be so.
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
