PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Pilgrim Myths
Believe it or not, the settlers didn't have silver buckles on their shoes. Nor did they wear somber, black clothing. They actually wore bright cheerful colors. The English men didn't even call themselves pilgrims.
First Thanksgiving Food and Celebration
We all know what modern day thanksgiving dinner has: Cranberry sauce, roast turkey, stuffing, and more. But on the first thanksgiving they didn't eat ANY of that stuff. Instead of wild turkey, it was likely that the settlers ate roast duck or goos. Also they ate seafood. They used to play ball games, they sang, and also danced.
History
The first thanksgiving was in Plymouth Massachusetts. 52 pilgrims and about 90 Wampanoag Indians joined the Pilgrims for the great English tradition of Harvest Festival. The participants celebrated for several days, dining on venison, goose, duck, fish, and of course cornbread the result of a bountiful corn harvest.
The Mayflower didn't land in Plymouth first. Before their departure, the Pilgrims were hoping to sail for the mouth of the Hudson River, just north of present-day New York City. Unfortunately, bad weather did not allow this. After 65 difficult days at sea, the Mayflower first landed at the tip of Cape Cod, in what is now Provincetown. The rapidly approaching winter and dwindling supplies stymied their second attempt for the Hudson, and eventually forced the Pilgrims to continue across Cape Cod Bay. They finally stopped at Plymouth, which became their new home.
Interesting facts
Sickness was a constant threat to the Pilgrims. Scurvy, a nasty disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, was high on the list. Lemon juice was taken to help prevent scurvy. Talk about an immune boost.
