Forefathers’ Day

Forefathers’ Day is observed on December 22, commemorating the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. This historic New England holiday honors the resilience of the settlers who established one of the first permanent English colonies in North America.

History of Forefathers’ Day

The holiday was established in 1769 by the Old Colony Club, a group of Plymouth residents who were descendants of the original Mayflower passengers. They gathered to honor their ancestors’ arrival, which historically occurred on December 21, 1620. However, due to a miscalculation when converting the date from the old Julian calendar to the modern Gregorian calendar, they mistakenly added eleven days instead of ten, resulting in the December 22 observance. By the time the error was realized, the tradition had already taken root.

Forefathers’ Day is considered the oldest ongoing patriotic commemoration in the United States, predating even Independence Day. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a major event in New England, often celebrated with as much fervor as Thanksgiving is today. It served as a focal point for speeches by prominent figures like Daniel Webster, who used the occasion to discuss American identity, liberty, and the legacy of the Pilgrims.

Why is Forefathers’ Day important?

This day serves as a specific remembrance of the immense physical and emotional hardships endured by the Plymouth settlers. Unlike the broader, feast-focused celebration of Thanksgiving, Forefathers’ Day focuses specifically on the act of landing and the determination required to survive that first brutal winter. It acknowledges the courage it took to leave a known world behind for an uncertain future across the Atlantic.

It also preserves unique regional traditions that might otherwise be lost. While the story of the Pilgrims is known nationally, the specific rituals of this day—such as the distinctive menu and the early morning processions—are deeply tied to the local culture of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Celebrating this day keeps a direct line of history alive, connecting modern Americans to the specific individuals who stepped onto Plymouth Rock centuries ago.

• It honors the specific historical event of the Pilgrim landing.
• The day preserves the oldest patriotic tradition in the country.
• It highlights the resilience required to survive early colonization.
• The observance maintains unique local culinary traditions.
• It encourages learning about the Mayflower Compact and early governance.

How to Celebrate Forefathers’ Day

The most authentic way to celebrate is to prepare a bowl of “Plymouth Succotash.” Unlike the modern side dish of corn and lima beans, the traditional Forefathers’ Day version is a hearty, white-broth stew containing corned beef, salt pork, chicken, white navy beans, turnips, potatoes, and whole hominy. It is a labor-intensive dish meant to be shared, symbolizing the communal effort required for the colony’s survival.

If you are near Plymouth, Massachusetts, you can witness the Old Colony Club’s members marching up Cole’s Hill at 6:00 AM, dressed in top hats, to fire a cannon over the harbor. For those elsewhere, reading William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation offers a direct window into the mindset of the settlers. You might also visit a local historical society or simply reflect on your own ancestors and the journeys they took to build a life for future generations.

• Cook a pot of traditional Plymouth Succotash with white beans and meat.
• Read excerpts from William Bradford’s historical journal.
• Visit Plymouth Rock or a local history museum.
• Research your own family genealogy and migration stories.
• Watch a documentary about the voyage of the Mayflower.

Forefathers’ Day Dates Table