The First Thanksgiving Feast: A Harvest Celebration

What foods were served at the first Thanksgiving feast? The first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 featured a variety of foods including venison, fish, fowl, and beer. However, traditional dishes like pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce were notably absent from the menu.

Menu at the First Thanksgiving Feast

Venison: Venison, or deer meat, was a staple at the first Thanksgiving feast. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely hunted deer in the surrounding wilderness to provide this protein-rich dish.

Fish: Fish was another important source of protein at the feast. With the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, fish would have been readily available to both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.

Fowl: In addition to deer and fish, various types of fowl were served at the feast. This could have included wild turkey, ducks, geese, or swans.

Beer: The Pilgrims likely served beer at the first Thanksgiving feast, as it was a common beverage of the time. Beer was safer to drink than water, as the fermentation process killed harmful bacteria.

While modern Thanksgiving celebrations often feature dishes like pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, these were not part of the original meal. The lack of these traditional foods highlights the differences between the first Thanksgiving feast and contemporary gatherings.

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