Final answer:
Pilgrims might not completely recognize today's Thanksgiving due to differences in the nature of the feast, the formalities observed, and the broader context of the celebration as compared to their original festivities marked by a simpler, more communal and survival-oriented day of thanks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Would pilgrims have considered today's Thanksgiving to be a true "thanksgiving" in their eyes? This question can be explored by comparing what is known about the first Thanksgiving with contemporary observations of the holiday. Based on the text, the original Thanksgiving in 1621 was a moment of celebration for the Pilgrims' bountiful harvest, marked by a feast that included venison, fish, fowl, and beer, consumed in a manner that would be unconventional today - eating with fingers and sprawling on the ground. The simplicity and shared participation between Pilgrims and the Native Americans who assisted them suggests a sense of communal gratitude directly tied to survival and harvest.
By contrast, modern Thanksgiving has evolved into a holiday rich with different customs and cuisines such as pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, aspects that were not present in the original feast. Additionally, the current Thanksgiving often includes the use of dining utensils and a more formal setting. Historian Nathaniel Philbrick and the chronicler Edward Winslow provide us with these details which highlight the differences between the first Thanksgiving feast and our contemporary version. Moreover, the original intent of Thanksgiving, a celebration of survival and help from the natives, may contrast with today's broader theme of general thankfulness.
Considering this, Pilgrims might not completely recognize today's Thanksgiving as the same ritual they originated. The contrast in food, formalities, and the broader context of the celebration would likely make it seem quite different from their own "thanksgiving" festivities following the difficult survival of their first year and successful harvest.