Why Did the Pilgrims Not Consider Their Harvest Feast as a Thanksgiving?

Cultural Influences and Historical Context

The Pilgrims were a group of English separatists who fled religious persecution and settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early 17th century. Their religious beliefs and practices were heavily influenced by their Puritan roots and the Jewish traditions they valued. As such, the concept of a harvest feast would have been seen as a regular part of their annual cycle rather than a distinct thanksgiving celebration.

Urban Lifestyle vs. Agrarian Tradition

It is important to note that the Pilgrims were primarily urban dwellers before they embarked on their journey to the New World. Unlike agrarian societies where harvest feasts were a significant event linked to the cycles of planting and harvesting crops, the Pilgrims may have viewed their first harvest in Plymouth as a practical necessity rather than a moment for express gratitude.

Survival Concerns and Interactions with Native American Tribes

During the early years of the Plymouth Colony, the Pilgrims faced numerous challenges including harsh weather conditions, disease, and conflicts with Native American tribes. The need for survival and the complexities of negotiating alliances likely overshadowed any inclination to celebrate a traditional thanksgiving feast.

Ultimately, the Pilgrims' unique cultural background, urban origins, and the practical challenges they faced in their new settlement all contributed to their view of the harvest feast as a routine occurrence rather than a formal thanksgiving celebration.