Today in America, on November 24th, most people celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday without the knowledge of the historical significance behind it. The typical family dinner on Thanksgiving Day consists of a turkey, either baked or fried, with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing as side dishes. However, in November 1621, Thanksgiving was a celebration of having a successful corn harvest.
The Pilgrims who came from England started out poorly in the new, unfamiliar land. Many died from unknown diseases and weakness from the cold, harsh winter. Everything had seemed hopeless until an Indian from the Pawtuxet tribe, named Squanto, came to help them. Squanto helped the Pilgrims adjust to the new land; he taught them how to plant successful corn plants and how to distinguish different kinds of other plants. Because of Squanto, the some of the Pilgrims were able to survive and make a plentiful harvest the next year. This was the start of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving for Americans today is also the time to give thanks to fruitful “harvest” or to the wonderful year. Now on Thanksgiving Day, everyone should be able to remember the very first time we gave thanks to the successful harvest!
