AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

Inthe year 1620, a ship named the "Mayflower" brought 107 English men, women and children to the rocky coast of what is now Massachusetts, one of the 50 states of the United States of America. The ship's passengers were Puritans - members of a religious sect which was unpopular in Britain because its members wanted to reform the Church of England.

It was late in the year when the Pilgrims landed and founded the colony

that they called Plymouth. The winter was cold, and about half of the Pilgrims died. In the spring, with advice and help from the Indians, with whom they lived in peace, the Pilgrims planted corn (known also as maize) and other crops and prepared as well as they could for the next winter.

In October 1621, to celebrate the good harvest the Pilgrims held a feast which featured, among many other foods, wild turkey, which is native to North America. They called this their day of thanksgiving, held to thank their God for his blessings.

THANKSGIVING.

The holiday is now observed on the fourth Thursday of November. It is marked by families gatherings together to enjoy a traditional dinner of roast turkey, and to speak to one another of the things for which they are thankful. If the parents are elderly, their adult children or some other relative will prepare the dinner. Only the most essential businesses remain open that day and workers who must work in these businesses arrange for a family dinner later in the day or the next day so that all have the Thanksgiving feast.

CHRISTMAS.

Christmas is a most important religious holy day for Christians, who attend special church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Because it is a religious holy day, it is not an official holiday. However, since most Americans are Christians, the day is one on which most businesses arc closed and the greatest possible number of workers, including government employees, have the day off. Many places of business even close early on the day before Christmas. When Christmas falls on a Sunday, the next day is also a holiday.

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THE END OF SLAVERY.	\|	VI. Speak on the main holidays of the US.

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