Celebrating Food and

Family

The First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving began as a 3-day celebration by the Pilgrims to show thanks for a bountiful

harvest.

Modern Day Thanksgiving

We celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States today

by spending time with family and

friends over a feast of food.

Parades

Parades are held all over America to celebrate the holiday. The largest parade is the Macy’s

Thanksgiving Day Parade held in New York City.

Football

Football games are played at levels throughout the country. High school teams often play their “Homecoming Game” on this day.

The Yam Festival

In early August, the people in West Africa and the South Pacific Islands celebrate the Yam Festival.

The Night Before

The night before the festival begins, the children help throw out any yams left over from last year.

Offerings

The next morning they offer fresh yams to the gods and their ancestors.

After the Festival EndsAfter the

ceremonies, the yams are divided among the villages and everyone cooks dishes made with the yams and other vegetables.

Chusok

Chusok is celebrated by Koreans in August. It is a holiday that celebrates their ancestors. It is also called the Harvest Moon Festival.

The Night Before Chusok

The women dress up in costumes and dance in a circle dance.

The Day of Chusok

In the morning they dress up in their best clothes and they go to the grave yard and put food in front of the grave.

The Feast

They have a feast of fresh rice, cakes, persimmons, mushrooms and chestnuts. They give thanks for the harvest.

During Sukkoth, people celebrate the harvest and honor their ancestors. It takes place in September or October.

Sukkoth

The Hut

A three-sided hut made from corn stalks is built for Sukkoth. The hut reminds them how far their ancestors had to walk on their journey to the promised land. The family will eat their meals in the hut for the next week .

The Feast

There are seven days of feasting and religious services.