The first Thanksgiving celebration was held in 1621. The writings of the
Pilgrims tell us that about 140 people attended the three day celebration. Ninety of the people were Indian men and about 50 people were
Pilgrims. Only four of the Pilgrims were women. The long terrible winter had been difficult for the Pilgrims and many of the Pilgrims died because of illness and lack of shelter or homes.
The Thanksgiving celebration was held after the Pilgrims had gathered their first crops or harvest. The feast was held outside because the Pilgrims did not have a building large enough to hold 140 people. The Pilgrims were thankful for the harvest and for the help of the Indian people in teaching them to grow crops in
America.
Without their help, the Pilgrims would have had little to eat.
The menu for the first Thanksgiving included venison or deer meat, fowl, which included ducks, geese, and turkeys. Sea bass, cod fish, cornmeal, fruits, and vegetables were also served.
Games were played, singing and dancing were also part of the celebration. Praises were given to God for the harvest and for the Pilgrims that survived the harsh winter.
Thanksgiving in America is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in
November. Families prepare a meal similar to the meal prepared by the
Pilgrims and Indians many years ago. It is a time for counting the many blessings we have received during the year and for spending time with family