THANKSGIVING DAY (2)

       Thanksgiving is a happy holiday on the fourth Thursday of each November. Americans of all religions celebrate this holiday with big dinners end family reunions. It is a time to remember all the good things in life and to be thankful. Tur­key is a traditional Thanksgiving Day Food.

        This holiday was founded by the Pilgrims. They were a group of English settlers who came to Massachusetts in 1620. The Pilgrims came to America because they wanted religious freedom. Their first winter was difficult, and many of the Pil­grims died. But the following year, the corn harvest was good. And there was celebration for three days. That was the first Thanksgiving.

        Every Thanksgiving Macy’s department store organizes a parade in New York City. In the parade there are balloons of popular cartoon characters, famous television stars, and bands from all over the United States. Each year, more than 55 mil­lion people watch this parade on television. Many other large American cities also have Thanksgiving Day parades. Wa­tching college football games on television is also a typical Thanksgiving Day activity.

QUESTIONS:

1. When is Thanksgiving celebrated?
2. What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?
3. What is a traditional food for this holiday?
4. Who were the Pilgrims?
5. Why did the Pilgrims come to America?
6. What are traditional Thanksgiving activities?

VOCABULARY:

reunion — встреча, собрание

turkey — индейка

to found — основать

settler — поселенец

corn — зерно

harvest — урожай

cartoon characters — мультипликационные персонажи