Symbols of Thanksgiving

Objects come to symbolize different things in various contexts and understanding symbolism is vital to a greater appreciation of literature. Many students can recognize that something is associated with Thanksgiving, but they may not understand why. This activity can give students a good foundation on symbols and symbolism, or it can be used as a focus on Thanksgiving itself.

I chose to use the spider map layout in my example. The symbol should be named in the title box, a visual representation should be made in the storyboard cell, and an explanation of what the symbol represents should be included in the description box.

Here are a few possible examples:

• Pilgrims and Native Americans

  Both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans contributed to the celebration feast of the successful harvest. Having a Pilgrim and Native American together shows friendship.

• Corn, Pumpkins, and Gourds

  Corn was a staple to the Native Americans and they taught the Pilgrims to grow it. Pumpkins, squash, and other gourds are vegetables harvested in the fall.

• Autumn Leaves

  Thanksgiving occurs during autumn. The colored leaves reminds us that the plentiful summer is over, and the cold winter, when little food is to be found, is coming.

• Wheat

  Wheat is usually harvested during the fall. Wheat is used to make flour for bread, which has been an important source of food for thousands of years.

• Turkey

  At Thanksgiving, we eat turkey: a bird that was available to people in the time of the first Thanksgivings. In England, they typically ate goose at the harvest time.

• Cornucopia

  The cornucopia is also known as the "horn of plenty." It represents the wealth and the bounty of the fall harvest.

• Cranberry Sauce

  Cranberries were one type of berry that the Pilgrims were able to forage. They used maple syrup to sweeten the juice.