10 Thanksgiving Myths You Thought Were True (But Actually Aren't)

Find out 10 famous myths surrounding the holiday and the American colonizers!

Miranda Gilbert
Created by Miranda Gilbert
On Nov 23, 2015
1

Pilgrims Weren't #1

If you thought the pilgrims held the first Thanksgiving in America, you were wrong. Both Texas and Virginia had ceremonies 2-3 years prior to the most popularly known "first" Thanksgiving.

2

Thanksgiving Is Just in November

Actually, the pilgrims held these ceremonies at multiple times of the year. Their harvest festival was likely in September or October.

3

Turkey and Cranberry Sauce

It's possible the pilgrims ate turkey, but the customary Thanksgiving foods were actually instilled in tradition during the Victorian era. The one food we for sure know the pilgrims had? Deer.

4

Rock N Roll

The pilgrims didn't actually land first at Plymouth Rock, but instead in Provincetown.

5

Log Cabins

The pilgrims actually didn't live in log cabins, but in standard wood-framed houses.

6

Pilgrims Taught Natives About Thanksgiving

We're told that pilgrims introduced the celebration to the Native Americans, when, in fact, the Natives themselves had celebrated harvest festivals for years.

7

Pilgrim Clothing

While we think of pilgrims all in black with buckled shoes and hats, this idea was actually developed in the 19th century, centuries after the pilgrims had lived.

8

Pilgrims = Puritans

Pilgrims and Puritans were different groups, arriving in the Americas at different times.

9

Puritans Were Anti-Fun

Puritans actually quite enjoyed fun, and the upper classes were known to wear bright colors - not quite so "puritanical" as we think they were today.

10

The Pilgrims Sent Out An Invite

We've often been told the pilgrims invited the Native Americans to join the festivities, but first-hand accounts indicate it's more likely the Natives heard the festival and wandered over to join in.

These are 10 of the World CRAZIEST Ice Cream Flavors
Created by Tal Garner
On Nov 18, 2021