Thanksgiving
Historical development, modern
symbols and celebrations.
History
• “In ancient times, people of many cultures
(including the ancient Greeks, Romans,
Hebrews, Egyptians and Chinese) gave
thanks to their god or gods for a
successful harvest”
History information from: http://www.ehow.com/how_5886_teach-children-meaning.html
History
• “In 1621, near the end of the Plymouth colony's
first year in America, the settlers gave thanks for
a plentiful first harvest. The pilgrims and the
natives celebrated together (they had arranged
a peace treaty), and everyone feasted on geese,
ducks, deer, corn, oysters, fish and berries”
• Without the help of the native Americans the
settlers would have died in the harsh winter
• Soon after the first thanksgiving, the Europeans
broke the treaty
History
• “Despite the harmonious relations that
may have existed between natives and
pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving feast,
many subsequent American
Thanksgivings involved settlers giving
thanks for victories over the natives.”
History
• “In 1863, during the Civil War, President
Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that
Thanksgiving should be a national
observance. To some degree, this was a
way to brighten the spirits of the American
people, who were dealing with a great deal
of difficulty and deprivation.”
Modern Practices
What is it all about now?
• Giving thanks and gratitude
• Spending time with your family and friends
• Sharing with the poor so that everyone
may have a thanksgiving dinner
• No one should spend thanksgiving alone!
What do families do?
• Many people watch football and go to see
local thanksgiving parades!
• Play American football and horse-shoes
• Watch classic American films
(It’s a wonderful life, Mr.Smith goes to WA)
• Cooking, cooking and more cooking!
• Eat snacks before the big dinner
• No diets on thanksgiving day!
Modern Symbols
The Turkey
It must be cooked perfectly!!! Each region
of the country has their own unique
cooking style:
Southeast: Hot and spicy, pork and cornbread stuffing
Midwest: Marinated in butter, sausage and wheat stuffing
Northeast: Boils the liver and neck, adds to stuffing
Western: Roasted over a fire, served with baked beans
*Vegetarian: Many eat a “tofu” turkey
Traditional Ceremony: The head of the household speaks
to the family, everyone shares what they are thankful for,
the head of household cuts the turkey!!!
“Tofu” “Doufu”
Turkey
The Final Dinner Table
Fruit Pumpkin
Pie
Sweet
Potatoes Turkey
Cranberry
Green Bean Sauce
Casserole
Activity
• You will be in a group of nine students.
• There will be a grandmother, grandfather,
mother, father, aunt, uncle, one teenager, one
toddler (2-3), and a cousin.
• The head of the household will give a speech
about gratitude and go around the table asking
what everyone is thankful for.
• The main cook will review the dishes for
everyones enjoyment.
• Everyone will discuss what activites they will
partake over the weekend.
Activity II
• Your groups skit must be at least 8 minutes long.
• No one is allowed to read off a sheet of paper!
• All other groups must be silent during other
presentations or you will loose group points.
• There should be two scenes before the big
dinner scene! For example, one in the kitchen,
one outside in the yard.