The pilgrims landed in North America in 1620 and began a life that was quite different from the one they had lived in England. They worked very hard and suffered greatly during those first months. And the success of the settlement was due in large part to Samoset and Squanto, who generously helped the pilgrims learn to survive. The colony slowly grew. The Mayflower sailed back to England. And the Pilgrims established a permanent home. At their first harvest, the pilgrims and their neighbors gathered to give thanks to God for preserving and providing for them. The feast, which lasted for days, consisted of food that had been grown, gathered, and caught--squash, berries, venison and much more We have come to think of that harvest feast as the first Thanksgiving, but such events were common in the colonies. Regardless, we continue the tradition each year when we gather with family and friends to give thanks, praise God, and share His blessings. Most of all, we give thanks and praise for God's greatest blessing, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Recommended for ages 4 to 9. |
