The Legend of The Five Kernels

A unique Thanksgiving tradition in many homes is to share tell your children The Legend of the Five Kernels.

Begin before serving your meal by passing out to each child either five real corn kernels or five pieces of candy corn. Have your children put them onto their dinner plates as they listen to the story below.

"It was very cold for the Pilgrims that first winter. Food was in short supply. Some days, they had only five kernels of corn. When spring came, the Pilgrims plated the remaining corn. The sun came and rain helped the seed to grow, and much food was harvested in the fall. Every Thanksgiving thereafter, the Pilgrims placed five kernels of corn beside each plate to remind them of their blessings:

"The first kernel reminded them of the autumn beauty.

"The second reminded them of their love for each other.

"The third reminded them of their family's love.

"The fourth reminded them of their friends, especially their Indian brothers.

"The fifth kernel reminded them of their freedom."