Lucy, What a wonderful tradition! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Today is the perfect day to share other "Pilgrim" traditions - do we have more out there?? Susan. www.rootsweb.com/~canms/canada.html ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lucy Peterson" <lucyqp@earthlink.net> To: <MAYFLOWER-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2002 3:12 AM Subject: Re: [MFLR] Kernels of Corn > Just to add one thought to the five kernels of corn idea. We have used > this for several years in our family. We do not use the dry kernels or > put them in a bag. We put 5 kernels on each plate and before eating the > meal each person names something he/she is thankful for as they eat a > kernel. Sometimes each person names all five and sometimes we go around > the table(s) naming one at a time. This continues until each kernel has > been eaten and only then do we bless and start the regular meal. When > the children were little we always asked if they thought they had eaten > enough for the day... and then of course reminded them that the pilgrims > had so very little for so a long time. Harlow's reminder of their > reliance on and gratitude for divinity was right on. I think the 5 > kernels has helped me make this a little more graphic and memorable for > my children. And it gives us each a moment to pause and reflect on both > our blessings and our ancestors (and maybe hardships that could pass for > us, too) during an otherwise very busy day. > Happy Thanksgiving to all! > Lucy >