By Staff
Tiny Pilgrims, Indians provide history lesson about upcoming holiday
By CLAUD HODGES
Senior Reporter
Into St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s sanctuary came 22 pint-size Pilgrims and 15 tot-size Indians to demonstrate to parents, siblings and others what Thanksgiving is all about.
The history lesson — and more — took place Tuesday in Washington. The lesson was provided by some of the church’s day-school students who ranged in age from 2 years old to 4 years old.
The morning program’s youthful participants were celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday in America. The holiday traces its roots to a the fall of 1621, when settlers who arrived on the Mayflower shared an autumn harvest with Indians. Those settlers, also known as Pilgrims, landed at Plymouth Rock 387 years ago.
Young Pilgrims of the feminine persuasion wore white bonnets and aprons and black blouses and skirts. Young Pilgrims of the masculine persuasion wore tall, black hats with buckles and black clothing.
Indian maidens wore headbands and skirts. Indian boys wore headdresses with feathers and clothing that appeared to made from animal skins. All Indians had painted faces.
Taylor explained the three-day autumn feast shared by Pilgrims and Indians later became known as the first Thanksgiving.
The pretend Pilgrims and Indians sang a group of songs. The Pilgrims sang by themselves. The Indians sang by themselves. Together, they sang several songs.
At a reception after the service, artwork — with a Thanksgiving theme, of course — created by the children was displayed and refreshments were provided.