Thanksgiving
The origins
The Pilgrims
At the beginning of the 17th century, a group of people left England to look for religious freedom in the New World. They left Plymouth, England, on a ship called the Mayflower in September 1620. After a difficult voyage, the Pilgrims landed at a place called Plymouth (now in Massachusetts) in November 1620.
A new life
After they landed, many Pilgrims died because it was winter and they had no food, were cold and ill. They were unfamiliar with the land so the Native Americans showed them how to hunt animals, how to fish, what foods to eat and what crops to grow. When harvest time came, the Pilgrims organized a big meal to thank the Indians. They ate turkey, venison, fish, bread and pumpkin pie.
Did you know ?
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Today
Today thanks giving is a national holiday celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November. Each year, many Americans fly long distances to meet up with their families and have a big meal.
The dinner
On Thanksgiving Day, Americans traditionally eat turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, squash and bread. For dessert, they usually have pumpkin pie.
Did you know ?
In the USA, about 46 million turkeys are consumed for the Thanksgiving celebrations.
The pardoned Turkey
Each year the U.S. President formally pardons a turkey and spares it from ending up on the Thanksgiving table.
Did you know ?
91 % of Americans eat turkey for Thanksgiving.
Sweet potatoes
Squash
Carrot cake
Pumpkin pie
Cupcakes
