| 01 November 2006
As you give thanks at your Thanksgiving meal this year, remember the Native Americans who shared their gardening techniques with the Pilgrims.Two Abnaki Indians, Samoset and Squanto, entered the Plymouth settlement in March 1621. The Pilgrims were struggling, as their crops continued to fail. With Squanto's help, the Pilgrims were able to survive in the New World.
According to legend, Squanto taught the Pilgrims to bury fish to serve as fertilizer for the corn. It has been disputed whether or not this is true, but it has been an inspiration to gardeners. You can still buy fish fertilizer to give your plants a boost. There is even a product available called “Squanto’s Secret”.
The Native Americans also taught the Pilgrims to grow beans and squash, and taught them about the native plants. This is where they learned which plants were poisonous, and which could be used for medicinal purposes. They also learned how to store their food for hard times. They were taught how to get sap out of the maple trees, and how to make candy from the maple syrup.
To celebrate the bountiful harvest which came from the help of the Native Americans, a 3-day feast was held, which included the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. This was the first Thanksgiving dinner.
The following year was difficult however, as many of the crops were damaged by drought. A day of fasting and prayer was ordered, and rain soon followed. November 29 was declared a day of thanks, in celebration of the rain. This date is believed to be the real beginning of present day Thanksgiving.