Today we will learn about history of several holidays in the USA, Croatia and Russia.

The first Thanksgiving in America

taught by Bonnie (USA), illustrations by Denis (Russia), Bonnie (USA)

The pilgrims sailed to America from England on a ship called The Mayflower.
After they landed, they did not have much luck on growing wheat and barley. They had decided to befriend the Indians. It had paid off. Thanks to Squanto, an English speaking Indian, they corn crop was successful. Squanto taught the pilgrims how to plant corn in hills by using fish as fertilizer.
They first Thanksgiving was actually a harvest festival. It was celebrated with feasting and games in the fourth Thursday of November, 1621. There were 51 pilgrims at this celebration. There were four married women, five girls, eight boys, thirteen young children and twenty one men at the first Thanksgiving. There are some of foods available at the time-cod, bass, herring, lobster, turkey, pork, goose, deer, chicken, wheat flour, Indian corn, strawberries, grapes, cranberries, squash, beans, walnuts and chestnuts.
It is still a big holiday!

Ivan Kupala celebration in Russia

taught by Danil (Russia), illustrated by Magdalena (Croatia)

Ivan Kupala was a very popular holiday in ancient Rus and other Slavic countries. It was celebrated at night from 6 July to 7 July.

People had many customs connected with water. In many areas people swam a lot but in some of them people believed that it is very dangerous to swim.

Main activity was jumping over fires. Young people and children played many merry games.

People went to the forest and searched for fern's flower. They believed that flower appeared on fern this night. If somebody finds fern flower, it will help to make ground transparent and people will see all treasures under ground.

Unmarried girls made flower garlands, put candles in them and put on water. Whose garland swam further, she would have happy life. Whose candle burned longer, she would have very long life.

Trees and plants moved and visited each other. They spoke with each other. Animals could speak at this night too.

People picked up cow- wheat plant (in Russian it is called Ivan- and-Maria plant) and put it in the corner of the house. Thieves were afraid to go to the house in this case. Two flowers of this plant, yellow and violet (in Russian they are called brother and sister) spoke to each other and thieves thought that husband and wife were speaking.

People believe that if at this night to climb over 12 fences, any wish would come true.