Then and Now
The Pilgrims wanted to practice religion in their own way. The government of England did not permit this, so the Pilgrims left England. In September 1620, 102 of them got on a ship and sailed to America. Their ship was named the Mayflower.
The voyage was long and hard. The ship was small and crowded. Many Pilgrims became sick. Some of them died. After 66 days at sea, the Mayflower landed.
The Pilgrims named the place where they landed Plymouth. They started to build houses there, but winter came very soon. They were not ready for the cold. They did not have enoucgh warm clothing. They did not have enough food. Half of them died that winter.
At last, spring came. Some friendly Indians taught the Pilgrims how to plant new vegetables-beans, corn and pumpkins. The Indians taught them how to hunt too.
During the summer of 1621, their crops grew. In the fall, the Pilgrims had a big harvest. They wanted to give thanks for the food, so they had a big feast. They invited their Indian Friends.
The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days. There was plenty of food to eat. There was turkey with nuts, beans, cornbread, and a sauce made from cranberries. For dessert, there was pumpkin pie. During the celebration, the Indians and the Pilgrims played games together.
In the United States today, Thanksigivng is a lot like the first Thanksigving in Plymouth. Firends and families get together for a big dinner. They eat the same food that the Pilgrims and Indians ate in 1621. They often watch a football game in the morning or afternoon. In some cities, like New York and Philadelphia, there are big Thanksgving day parades. For modern Americans, Thanksgiving Day is also a day for giving thanks for the good things they have enjoyed during the year.
Rice & Stempleski's Explorations
Granted 9/2002