[文章導讀] Thanksgiving Yesterday and Today

Thanksgiving Yesterday and Today by David Strong

It had been a long, cold winter. It was the Pilgrims' first winter in the New World. Their numbers had diminished. They did not know how to live in this new land. It was very different from England. They did not have enough food or warm clothes. They had nothing to be thankful for. 

Now it was spring, however, and a time to start over. One day an Indian brave named Flying Eagle came to the settlement. He had never seen white men before. He did not know what to make of them. 

When the Pilgrims saw Flying Eagle, they were afraid of him. But they soon realized he was friendly. In the weeks that followed, Flying Eagle brought more Indians with him. The Indians helped the Pilgrims learn many things. 


The Indians taught the Pilgrims how to grow corn, Along with the seeds, they put two small fish in the ground. This helped the corn grow better. The Pilgrims also learned how to hunt animals and use the skins for clothes and blankets. The Indians showed them edible wild berries. They helped the Pilgrims build better houses. 

When fall arrived, the crops were ready for harvest. The Pilgrims did not fear winter this year. Each family had food and warm clothes. The settlers wanted to thank the Indians for their help. They also wanted to thank God. 

The Pilgrims invited the Indians to a three-day celebration. Baskets overflowed with pumpkins, corn and squash. Apples, grapes and wild berries covered wooden platters. Everyone ate plenty of roasted turkey and venison.  

The Pilgrims taught the Indians English games. in return, the Indians taught the Pilgrims their traditional contests. Everyone had fun and everyone was thankful. 

Giving thanks is still an annual celebration. Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. 

Each year, families gather together on this special holiday. In the morning, people like to watch New York City's Thanksgiving Day parade on television. Marching bands and floats move slowly past spectators. Snoopy and Big Bird glide above  the parade. These special helium balloons tower high into the air. It takes many men to guide the floating animals between the city buildings.