“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”Psalm 107:1.
The tradition of our Thanksgiving meal goes back to 1620 when a group of people whose quest for freedom led them to the edges of the known world.
This isn’t just a tale of a group; it’s about individuals, families, with hopes and fears much like ours. Let us not get lost in the meta view of history but see the lives of those involved. Now imagine you are a child on that boat, little Elizabeth Turley. Rather than see the triumph of the passage, look in the face of those who put liberty, freedom, and their lives in the balance.
The Persecution and Departure
In England, under King James I, the Separatists faced relentless persecution. People like William Bradford, who would later become the Governor of Plymouth Colony, saw friends and family members imprisoned. The desire for a new life grew stronger. These were not just abstract figures; they were fathers, mothers, children, all risking everything for their faith.
The Netherlands Interlude
In the Netherlands, they found temporary refuge but longed for a permanent home where they could preserve their English identity and religious practices. The decision to leave was not made lightly. It meant saying goodbye to their homeland, possibly forever.
The Harrowing Voyage of the Mayflower
The Mayflower set sail on September 6, 1620. For 66 days, 102 passengers endured cramped quarters, violent storms, and disease. The journey was merciless. Aboard the ship were families like the Tilley’s, who would face unimaginable losses. John and Joan Tilley, along with their daughter Elizabeth, were hopeful for a new beginning, unaware of the tragedy that lay ahead.
Landing and the Mayflower Compact
They reached the New World on November 11, 1620, but not where they intended. They landed far north of their target, near what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts. Here, they drafted the Mayflower Compact, a framework for self-governance. It was signed by 41 men, including Samuel Fuller, a church deacon and the colony’s doctor. A separate post on the impact and legacy of this compact on governance and its bearing on our constitution
The First Winter and Plymouth Rock
The legend of Plymouth Rock, as the landing site of the Pilgrims, wasn’t recorded until over a century later, but it remains a symbol of their journey. That first winter was devastating. Half of the passengers died, including the Tilleys. Elizabeth, now an orphan at 13, would later marry John Howland, another Mayflower passenger, symbolizing hope and continuity.
The First Thanksgiving
By the fall of 1621, things began to look up. The Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest with a feast. This event, often considered the first Thanksgiving, was attended by 53 Pilgrims and about 90 Native Americans, including Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag tribe. It was a three-day festival, featuring foods like venison, corn, and shellfish.
Reflection
So, when we talk about the Pilgrims, let’s remember them not just as historical figures, but as real people. People like Elizabeth Tilley Howland, who saw immense loss but also found love and new beginnings. Their story is our story too – a story of resilience, hope, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. As we gather for Thanksgiving, let’s remember the real human journey that led to the celebration we know today.
Generated with AI assistance.