Fatima Freeman November 7, 2013 INTC 220 Introduction I.

Attention-getter Every year on the fourth Thursday of November Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for giving thanks. The most celebrated holiday in North America. But many Americans dont know why we celebrate Thanksgiving. A. Thesis statement The history of celebrating Thanksgiving in America can be misunderstood and mistaken for thanking God. B. Establish credibility With Thanksgiving approaching, I always ask myself: What is Thanksgiving? Why do I really celebrate Thanksgiving? What is the meaning behind Thanksgiving? After contemplating these questions, I started researching the actually meaning behind Thanksgiving. C. Preview main points Today, I will give an informative speech on how Thanksgiving began, the meaning behind giving thanks and where Thanksgiving started. Body D. Main point According to history.com, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England with 102 passengers headed for the new world seeking a new home on September, 1620. a. Subpoint i. Sub-subpoint These 102 passengers were an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. ii. Sub-subpoint After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth. (transition) E. Main point

According to history.com, Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans. a. Subpoint In October of 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with feasting and games, as was the custom in England. The celebration served to boost the morale of the 50 remaining colonists and also to impress their allies. Among the Native People attending were Massasoit and 90 Wampanoag men.

b. Subpoint According to si.edu, in 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief; the rains came a few days later. And not long after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with staples and news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival appears to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day because it combined a religious and social celebration. F. Main Point According to si.edu, long before Europeans set foot in the Americas, native peoples sought to insure a good harvest with dances and rituals such as the Green Corn Dance of the Cherokees. a. Subpoint One interesting fact that you may not know is that the tradition of Thanksgiving was adopted from the Wampanoag Indians. Conclusion G. Review main points As I have informed you on how Thanksgiving began, the meaning behind giving thanks and where Thanksgiving started. a. Restate thesis As the holiday season approaches, the history and the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday can be confusing and misunderstood. b. Creative conclusion As our families began many preparations to welcome us back home to celebrate the holidays. We gather at the table to enjoy the

Thanksgiving dinner that was prepared and watch the many football games on the big screen television in our living rooms. Let us not forget why Thanksgiving is such an important holiday in North America. And let us thank the many passengers that made the journey to the New World to start a new life. I hope that we all make a safe journey home for Thanksgiving and I wish you all a happy holiday season. Thank you and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!! References (in APA) Wampanoag Indians. www.indians.org Thanksgiving. www.history.com. North America: From Local Harvests to National Holiday. www.si.edu.