On this holiday, a Thanksgiving meal is prepared; families gather together and talk, others watch a game or attend a parade. Some families may even have their own yearly Thanksgiving traditions.
Lets take a journey back to 1620\1621. The first thanksgiving
the Mayflower, an 180-ton ship, set sail from Southampton, England. After difficulties with the vessel, resulting in her return to port, finally, the voyage began. Her 102 passengers were to become some of the founding pilgrims of the United States of America.
After weeks of plowing through Atlantic waters, strong winds, pounding waves and a number of problems with their vessel, the pilgrims spotted Cape Cod, off the coast of Massachusetts.
Before anchoring at Plymouth Rock and disembarking to explore the territory, the pilgrims devised the “Mayflower Compact.” This was to serve as the basis for governing their new colony, where all would have the freedom to worship God as they chose.
The next few months would prove to be difficult and trying. More than half of the original pilgrims did not survive the first, long, bleak New England winter. But, with the approaching of spring brought them hope. The survivors built homes and planted crops. They made friendships with local Indian tribes, and traded with them. The passing of winter allowed the pilgrims to labor and produce, causing the colony to flourish.
Their governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving toward God. They prepared a great feast to enjoy with family and friends—both from within the colony and with neighboring Indian tribes.