Thanksgiving Day Facts for Kids!
Every year on the fourth Thursday of November we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States of America. It is a day of family, friends, eating, and football. But why is it celebrated? Sometimes Thanksgiving is referred to as turkey day because so many people eat turkey on Thanksgiving. But, guess what? No one knows for sure if turkey was even eaten on the first Thanksgiving!
Who were the Pilgrims?
In September of 1620, 102 people set sail to the “New World.” These people are known as Pilgrims. The pilgrims were English Protestants who wanted to be free from the English church. They wanted religious freedom and were looking for a new place to call home.
They set sail for 66 days across the Atlantic Ocean on the ship the Mayflower. The Mayflower was one of the ships the Christopher Columbus used. The Pilgrims landed in the Colony of Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts. This is where they settled to start a new life.
Why do we Celebrate Thanksgiving?
In March 1621 an agreement was made between Pilgrim leader William Bradford and Wampanoag Chief Massasoit. It was agreed that the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims would protect each other against enemies.
Thanksgiving Day Facts for Kids!
Even though no one knows if turkey was eaten on the first Thanksgiving today over 90% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the US? He was outvoted and the eagle became the national bird
Each year the president of the United States pardons one turkey so the turkey is not cooked and eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. The tradition started in 1947 with President Truman.
One popular Thanksgiving tradition is watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. The parade first began in 1924. 400 Macy’s employees marched in the parade along with the animals from the Central Park Zoo. There were no giant balloons. Today thousands of people take part in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. It is the biggest shopping day of the year! Black Friday kicks off the Christmas season shopping.
Thanksgiving Day Facts for Kids!