Thanksgiving: Unsung History of Native Americans

We have always celebrated Thanksgiving in new style. Have you ever thought how did it all start? No ,I am not here to bore you with same old stuff of producing facts and figures but would like to throw some light on the Native American style of Thanksgiving. The Wampanoag is one of the native Americans. Knowing the modern way of celebrating Thanksgiving is boring, isn't it? From 1621 this Thanksgiving was known as Harvest Cutting Celebration and lasted only for 3yrs and gradually it increased with the time. I have a Wampanoag friend named Kimlee. He told me that football, as played today on Thanksgiving has a special meaning to it. It is not just a game but played for a purpose to settle down arguments between people and families. According to him, traveling in a dug out Mishoon(handmade boat) and meeting friends was more a fun than tradition. Enjoyment was the core word. Once when I was really young, I had the privilege to accompany him to his village. Had a blast hunting. It was winter and hunting is best during this time as baby birds and animals are grown this time. The meat and the fur are better in colder weather. We had hunted deer,beaver, turkey and many more. But the forest law are strong enough now so hunting has reduced. I had learnt that planting of corn seeds needed herring fish. The fish is put into the ground and earth is mounded on it. This helps in growing corn plants taller. All these experiences have made me realized that thanksgiving is a celebration where the most important thing is Thanking the Mother Earth more than the humans, sharing food with a small feast. It is being thankful to God and all the people around you. So start noting the names of the people whom to thank...by the way don't forget to thank me too who made you realize this fact!