Lunch with the Pilgrims and the Indians for Thanksgiving
I always wanted to experience Thanksgiving at Pilmoth Plantation in Massachusetts. I finally made it. I was so excited. I was now going to live history. The place was crowded. I guess others wanted the same adventure. Due to the large volume of people, they had more than one seating. My family and I were at the second seating. We arrived early and took a tour of the plantation. It was beautiful!
The place was draped with period décor and the waiters and waitress were dressed as pilgrims. We were seated in tables in accordance with reservation. Since there were three of us, we were seated with other guest that were as excited as we were. We chatted with anticipation about the meal and experiencing history instead of cooking at home. We all wanted to do something difference for the holiday.
The dinner was basic which included - turkey, roast beef, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potato, rolls, cranberries, beverages, and pumpkin pie. It was not great but filling. In fact, not only was the meal not traditional of the first Thanksgiving, but it lacked spice and flavor. However, my family and others did not come for the meal but for the feel of history. We could of had a better meal at a diner. But the experience, was awesome.
What was the most memorable experience was the ability to talk to real descendants of the Wamponoag Indians that gave tours on the plantation. Many did not seem happy especially one that gave tours outside. She was quite honest that Thanksgiving was not a joyfully occasion for her people. In fact, they consider it a dark and sad day. I always wondered what the Indians thought. Now I knew. It was not a celebrations for them. I was a little sad at the anguish of the Indians especially being part Indian from a New England tribe. I actually wanted to leave; but I didn't. However, the experience and the Indians words echo with each and every Thanksgiving since that visit.
Since that time, I have researched more about the first Thanksgiving and the aftermath. How where the Indians rewarded for their generosity? I suggest you research it for yourself. I know once you investigate, your Thanksgiving holiday if you still choose to celebrate it, will never be the same. I know for me, it has changed forever.
I am glad I chose to celebrate that holiday with the pilgrims and the Indians. Through that experience, I was inspired to learn more about the demise of the Wamponoag people.
The place was draped with period décor and the waiters and waitress were dressed as pilgrims. We were seated in tables in accordance with reservation. Since there were three of us, we were seated with other guest that were as excited as we were. We chatted with anticipation about the meal and experiencing history instead of cooking at home. We all wanted to do something difference for the holiday.
The dinner was basic which included - turkey, roast beef, stuffing, vegetables, mashed potato, rolls, cranberries, beverages, and pumpkin pie. It was not great but filling. In fact, not only was the meal not traditional of the first Thanksgiving, but it lacked spice and flavor. However, my family and others did not come for the meal but for the feel of history. We could of had a better meal at a diner. But the experience, was awesome.
What was the most memorable experience was the ability to talk to real descendants of the Wamponoag Indians that gave tours on the plantation. Many did not seem happy especially one that gave tours outside. She was quite honest that Thanksgiving was not a joyfully occasion for her people. In fact, they consider it a dark and sad day. I always wondered what the Indians thought. Now I knew. It was not a celebrations for them. I was a little sad at the anguish of the Indians especially being part Indian from a New England tribe. I actually wanted to leave; but I didn't. However, the experience and the Indians words echo with each and every Thanksgiving since that visit.
Since that time, I have researched more about the first Thanksgiving and the aftermath. How where the Indians rewarded for their generosity? I suggest you research it for yourself. I know once you investigate, your Thanksgiving holiday if you still choose to celebrate it, will never be the same. I know for me, it has changed forever.
I am glad I chose to celebrate that holiday with the pilgrims and the Indians. Through that experience, I was inspired to learn more about the demise of the Wamponoag people.
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