Cape Karen
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so 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 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 greatest 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 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."
What we celebrate today as "Thanksgiving" emerged, somehow, from the gathering of Pilgrims and Indians at Plymouth, MA. The Pilgrims would have starved to death if it were not for the Indians teaching them how to hunt. It wasn't an annual thing back then, as it is now, and they didn't eat turkey. They did eat fowl; ducks and geese - and they ate deer. Carving the duck or slicing the venison should be our tradition; I don't know how the turkey got in there? (Turkeys were skinny, unappetizing birds in New England in the 1600's. No self-basting birds, or pop-up plastic inserts, to tell them when they were done, either. :)
But, regardless, being a dyed-in-the-wool New England gal, I do miss being in New England this time of year. It's fun in the fall to visit the recreated "Plimoth Plantation," to go see the model of the Mayflower, and to go see the little remnant of the original Plymouth Rock. I call it the "Plymouth Pebble," because there is so little of it left. They've moved it twice, and it was broken into two pieces, twice, during lifting; one small original piece remains, encased in a fenced-in site for visitors. (Many people took chunks of stone from it when it was not protected by the fence, which also reduced its size.)
"Thanksgiving" is an everyday event at my age, but the actual day begs for family, and for foods that we do not normally indulge in. My family is far away - scattered hither and yon, from coast-to-coast - and Frank's family are all in Minnesota; so it is just the two of us, and now, a couple of friends who are in the same boat, who will be carving the bird and buttering the squash. I wish our families could all gather together, but, once again, phone calls will have to do.
I hope that this Thanksgiving will bring everyone to a table that is overflowing with good food and good health; and for those of you who can - I hope you will embrace the joy of your togetherness, and never, ever take one another for granted.
And, please remember those who are alone or who have to work this holiday; if you can, set another place or two at your table. Or, visit a hospital, a firestation, or your local police station. Bring them some pumpkin pie! After all, isn't that what Thanksgiving is really all about?
". . .yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
Posted by Karen at November 19, 2005 2:28 PM