Plentiful Harvest Celebrated. King Massasoyt attends.

Plimouth, Fall, 1621: Though the concept is historically nothing new--it's been practiced through the ages--the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast, a celebration we now call "Thanksgiving." To the Pilgrims, however, a day of thanksgiving meant one of prayer and fasting. 

Three days of feasting and celebration topped off a bountiful harvest as Plimoth prepared for the Winter ahead. King Massasoyt, together with some ninety of his men, were entertained by the settlers. The King, in return, contributed several slain deer to the event which he presented to the governor.  Wild fowl, venison, ducks, geese and turkeys were among the fare. 

Our only account of the feast comes from Edward Winslow who wrote a letter abroad:

"Our harvest being gotten in, our Governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a more speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labours; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest King Massasoyt, with some nintie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed dive Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine, and others.  And although it be not alwayes so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodnesse of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie."