THANKSGIVING
VOYAGE ON THE MAYFLOWER
On September 16 1620 a Group of people called pilgrims left England because King James I did not permit religious freedom. He said “Everyone has to belong to the Church of England.” The pilgrims boarded a ship called the mayflower and set sail for America.
They sailed for 66 days over choppy waters and sometimes through stormy weather.
On November 21, 1620 (2 months later) the pilgrims arrived in America. They landed at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth Massachusetts.
THE FIRST WINTER
There were about 100 Pilgrims.
The first winter was very cold and difficult for the pilgrims.
Many of them were sick and did not have enough food to eat.
Half of the pilgrims did not survive the first winter.
NATIVE AMERICANS
The pilgrims met a friendly Native American named Squanto.
He helped the pilgrims and Native Americans to become friends.
The Native Americans taught the pilgrims how to live in the wilderness.
They gave the pilgrims seeds for corn and taught them how to plant crops for food.
The also taught the pilgrims how to hunt and fish for food.
THE THANKSGIVING FEAST
In the fall, the pilgrims harvested their crops.
The were very grateful to the Native Americans for teaching them how to survive off the land.
The pilgrims and the Native Americans had a feast to give thanks for their food and their friendship.
THANKSGIVING TODAY
Today, thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.
Family and friends gather together to give thanks.
They share food, laughter and love.
