Pass the Popcorn

The "First Thanksgiving" held at Plimoth (original spelling) Plantation in 1621 remains shrouded in myth. For many, the favorite myth is that the Wampanoag chief Quadenquina brought several deerskins of popcorn to the festivities. Unfortunately, it appears to be just a myth.

Maize (corn) came to New England around 1100 AD according to archaeological evidence. In 500 years, certainly many strains could have been developed, but there is no indication that varieties suitable for popping were cultivated. The flint corn variety known to be grown by Cape Cod natives in 1621 can best be prepared by boiling into hominy, or grinding into meal. Sweet corn, the predecessor of our "corn on the cob" didn't show up in New England until the Revolutionary War in 1779.

The "Thanksgiving Popcorn Myth" originated in Victorian times. Jane Austin put it firmly in print in her 1889 novel Standish of Standish. The scene makes a good story, but poor history.

Popcorn, however, holds a venerable place in the Thanksgiving traditions of my wife's family. First, the family feasts on turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, turnips, and pies. Probably the only dish in common with the First Thanksgiving is the turkey: every other food was introduced to New England long after 1621.

But after the feast, much of the family heads to the cineplex to take in whatever Thanksgiving treat Hollywood has to offer. No matter how much turkey and stuffing came before, someone always says, "Pass the popcorn!"