Supper is Served

Thanksgiving came only once a year on November 23^rd. The very first Thanksgiving that is celebrated in the United States began in the year 1621. Its true origins come from the Pilgrims whom celebrated the day of thanksgiving as a day of prayer. When they came to the area known as Plymouth Rock they ran into the tribe called the Wampanoag. It was a tribe located along the coasts of the Massachusetts Bay. Thanksgiving that we know of today started after a successful harvest in autumn. Both Pilgrims and Wampanoag joined together in this feast we call Thanksgiving. Among all the stories, and tales told about what happened on Thanksgiving are passed down from generation to generation, but there was something that was kept secret.

On the very grounds of where the first Thanksgiving was held two large family trees came together. Brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, relatives, in laws and some black sheep gathered at this very spot one year after a family feud was just settled. Each family brought a variety of dishes such as cooked ham, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, green bean casseroles, Acorn squash, Gratin, butternut squash, various brussel sprout dishes, mashed potatoes, and of course the stuffed turkeys. Desserts included cookies, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cheesecake, and puddings. Every member gathered at the table to enjoy a nice bountiful feast on the very land the Wampanoag and Pilgrims feasted in harmony. Plates were filled to the brim with a variety of foods and a little dessert on the sides. Sitting all members of each family gorged upon the food on their plates while chatting and carrying on. The feast lasted for hours with seconds, and even thirds from the meals and desserts. All the children ran around the designated area playing tag, hide and go seek, and other games. As for the adults wine, beer, and even some whiskey was brought out to enjoy a fine late afternoon.

As the feasting came to a close so did the afternoon. Dusk was approaching fast and lights, lamps, as well as candles were lit to bring in some light. What they did not see were new guests in the woods. A swarm of small pukwudgies rushed into the grounds of the feast. Many tales were handed down within Wampanoag, and Algonquian tribes. Some said these small mythical creatures were mischievous, helpful and could be dangerous. Yet the descendants of the pilgrims saw the darker side of these pukwudgies. Sheer horror struck the entire family as the adults were jumped and brought down. Screaming and cries of help echoed in the woods as the unsuspecting family came under attack. Hundreds of pukwudgies clawed and devoured the family members piece by piece down to the bones. Flesh, skin, hair, organs, nails, and brains were feasted upon. Even the contents of what they digested were not left. When everyone but the children were eaten the pukwudgies rounded them up and carried them off into the woods. What the wampanoag did not tell the pilgrims was to respect the boundaries of these pukwudgies