By Paige Nash
Per the history books, the very first Thanksgiving was celebrated just over 400 years ago in 1621. The story of the first Thanksgiving feast is a common lesson taught to children in schools. Lessons include stories about the pilgrims and their voyage to the “New World” on the Mayflower landing in what is now Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The southeastern portion of the state served as the home of a native tribe called the Wampanoag tribe for more than 12,000 years before the arrival of the Mayflower.
The new colonists who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of breaking free from the Church of England, found themselves in this new land preparing for winter the best they could. The Wampanoag tribe, having better knowledge of the land, assisted them in fertilizing the fields and growing their crops.
Soon after, both parties contributed a variety of goods and gathered to celebrate the harvest together. They celebrated for days together, eventually sealing a treaty of peace that lasted until King Philip’s War in 1675.
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated annually every fourth Thursday of November in America. When we think about this day many things come to mind. The most common thing associated with Thanksgiving is the dinner we share with our families that symbolizes that first feast shared between the colonists and Wampanoag tribe.
The modernization of this holiday also means football games, the famous Macy’s day parade and lots of Black Friday shopping for adults, but what does it mean for the children?
The first thing most children associate Thanksgiving with is turkey and then of course, thankfulness.
When asked what they were most thankful for this Thanksgiving:
Beaux Monday, age 9, said, “Getting to spend time with my cousins.”
Hank Rowton, age 9, said, “Family, duck hunting and decorating the Christmas tree.”
Ada Murphy, age 9, said, “The roof over my head, sunshine and the air around me.”
Levi Ray, age 9, said, “Baseball.”
Emerson Lee, age 8, said, “God, my family and my house.”
Emily Ferrell, age 7, said, “Mommy and daddy.”
Adalyn McClaren, age 5, said, “I am thankful for the food, Jesus and mostly family and my cousins.”
Olive Easom, age 4, said, “Jesus.
Ashton Nash, age 4, said, “Eating a turkey again.”
Caroline Ferrell, age 3, said, “Chocolate.”
Adeline Thornhill, age 3, said, “My baby owl.”
While sitting down to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast this year, consider beginning a new tradition with your family, like taking some time to go around the table and have each person say what or who they are most grateful for, as well.
Pause the game, record the parade and save the Black Friday shopping for … Friday. Be grateful for and enjoy the time with your loved ones. That is the most important thing – time.
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