When the Pilgrims sat down with the Wampanoag Indians in 1621, the affair lasted for a number of days, and the menu was decidedly different. The Pilgrims had much to be thankful for, and they would likely not have survived their first winter without the help of the Wampanoag.They had arrived in Plymouth only 10 months earlier, and barely had shelter and storage spaces up.
Duck was one of the main courses, as wildfowl was plentiful. Venison was provided by the Wampanoag.Then there was samp, a cornmeal based porridge.Only one written account has survived, and domesticated turkey,mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are not mentioned, and were probably not on the menu(mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce had not yet been invented).We can, however, assume that they did have seafood(clams, cod, eel, lobster), corn, squash, onions,carrots,pumpkin,radishes, and cabbage(Squanto, a Wampanoag, had taught the Pilgrims how to grow native crops).There would probably have been seal,swan, crane,wild turkey, and eagle, and assorted fruits and nuts. All in all, a very different meal.
The party lasted a week, and the Wampanoag were guest for at least 3 days.The eating took place indoors and out, and sometimes the hosts and guests dined together, sometimes separately. Games were played, and contests were held, such as target shooting. As both cultures celebrated a form of harvest festival, the event was a coming together of very different groups to enjoy good food and good company, and count blessings.
In that sense, not all that much has changed.
Happy Thanksgiving!