Thanksgiving is a holiday with deeper ties to maritime history than many realize. While the holiday today may center around turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, the origins of Thanksgiving are closely tied to a journey across the sea, and the early survival of the settlers who inspired it owes much to maritime skills and resources. For those of us in coastal communities, the connection between Thanksgiving and the ocean runs surprisingly deep, making the holiday resonate in ways that go beyond the table.
It all began with the Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims from England across the Atlantic in 1620. These settlers, searching for religious freedom, set sail in September and endured a grueling 66-day journey across cold, turbulent waters. Their voyage was marked by challenges, from rough seas to cramped conditions on board. Nevertheless, their arrival in November, just as winter approached, was a significant step toward what we now celebrate as Thanksgiving. After a tough winter, the Pilgrims eventually experienced a successful harvest, thanks in large part to the guidance and assistance of the Wampanoag people. This gathering, in which Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to share in the bounty of the land, is widely regarded as the foundation for our modern Thanksgiving tradition.
The sea played a crucial role in the survival of these early settlers. The skills they used on their journey — navigation, fishing, and food preservation — were not only vital for crossing the Atlantic but also for thriving in the New World. The Pilgrims continued to rely on the ocean as a food source, gathering fish and shellfish from nearby waters. Fishing skills became essential, and the coastal environment provided a steady food supply that supported the community as they adapted to their new surroundings.
In addition to sustenance, the sea offered a means of trade and connection. Early settlers relied on maritime trade routes to import and export goods, including essentials like salt fish, lumber, and furs. Through these routes, items central to New England’s diet made their way into colonial culture, influencing the foods that would become Thanksgiving staples. Even cranberries, now a Thanksgiving classic, became a popular trade item. Maritime routes connected these colonial products to other parts of the world, gradually establishing the traditional holiday foods we know today.
As Thanksgiving evolved from a regional tradition in New England into a nationwide celebration, the influence of coastal communities helped spread the customs associated with the holiday.
New England’s port cities, where traditions could easily be shared and passed down, played an important role in promoting Thanksgiving. Yet, it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became an official national holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared it a time for unity and gratitude, cementing Thanksgiving’s place in American life. Before Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving was largely celebrated in New England, a region deeply connected to the sea. The influence of these coastal communities is embedded in the holiday, as generations passed down their maritime-inspired traditions.
In modern times, coastal towns continue to honor Thanksgiving with unique maritime flair. Many communities along the California coast kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving weekend boat parades, transforming local harbors into dazzling displays of lights and holiday decorations. Boaters join in, decorating their vessels with festive colors and illuminating the water as they cruise through the harbors. For communities like Dana Point and Newport Beach, these parades are a cherished Thanksgiving tradition, blending the spirit of the holiday with the sparkle of holiday lights reflected on the ocean.
Contemplating Thanksgiving’s connection to the sea reminds us how interwoven this holiday is with the ocean’s bounty. The sea provided the means for early survival, supported colonial economies, and shaped the traditions that make up our Thanksgiving holiday. Coastal celebrations today, from boat parades to seafood feasts, are a tribute to this legacy and a nod to the ocean’s enduring influence.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, consider taking a moment to appreciate the ocean’s role in shaping this holiday. Whether enjoying a feast near the shore, admiring a holiday boat parade, or simply feeling grateful for the sea’s bounty, Thanksgiving offers a chance to celebrate the resilience and resourcefulness of those who first crossed the waves in search of a new beginning.
This holiday, as vast and timeless as the sea itself, continues to unite us in gratitude. From everyone at The Log and Maritime Publishing, Happy Thanksgiving!
