The story of how Thanksgiving began and evolutionized.

Thanksgiving had begun all the way back in 1621, that’s almost 399 years ago. The reason for Thanksgiving beginning is due to English colonists, otherwise known as pilgrims, of Plymouth going hunting for some turkeys, geese or ducks. The Pilgrims were in hope of having meals available to them. They were able to retrieve enough turkey to last them a week. Governor William Bradford invited the Wampanoag and the chief Massasoi to eat with the Pilgrims for a feast upon an autumn harvest. There was turkey and there may have been fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables and beer. They all enjoyed this luxurious meal together outside or on barrels, due to the lack of buildings. Over time people began to alter the foods they consume and where they eat. People started to eat in their homes at a dining table and most commonly eaten is turkey, potatoes and stuffing. Sophomore Ruby Lacques mentioned, “My favorite food to eat at Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes.” All Information found from History.com.

After their feast, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people had been in close contact the days following. There were no incidents between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag. The peace between the two groups led to a sealed treaty between them, although that only lasted until King Philip’s War (1675–76). As time went on, New England colonists became customary to regularly celebrate Thanksgivings. They used the days as a time to pray and thank God for their blessings whether it was for military victory or the end of a drought. This is very similar to how most still celebrate this national holiday. In Ventura every Thanksgiving the “Ventura Turkey Trot” is held. It is a race anyone can compete in, Adults run a 5k and children run a 1k. It costs $30 for adults and $15 for kids, the money it raises goes to a charity, Runners for Public Land, and is a nonprofit organization that fights for environmental justice, advocacy, and stewardship. This event has been going on for many years, sophomore Caylin Mobley stated “ I did it when I was little! I remember me and my sister had a lot of fun!”

Thanksgiving was not recognized as a national holiday until Oct. 3, 1863. Abraham Lincoln had proclaimed that Thanksgiving was to be celebrated on every Thursday, November 26. Throughout the years families started to become separated, leading to Thanksgiving to be known as a day people could all gather and families learned to celebrate in many different ways. For example, Lacques also said, “We started going to my close friend Delaney’s house for Thanksgiving.” Contrastingly, junior Tess Luoma said, “I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a tradition, but me and my sister always wake up early and cook.” The subtle differences between how these two students celebrate the holiday shows how there are no right or wrong ways to celebrate the holiday.