Dictionary

Patuxet: The first settlement that was earlier abandoned by Native Americans when a plague referred to as "Indian Fever" killed the villagers.

pilgrim: Commonly known as the first settlers in America, pilgrims were also called separatists based on their desire to distance themselves from the Church of England.

Plimoth Plantation: The first area to be settled by the pilgrims and also the original site of Patuxet, an abandoned village.

Plymouth: Also called New Plimoth, where the Mayflower landed on December 21, 1620.

popcorn: A tasty snack treat, but not one that the first American settlers enjoyed as the native corn variety available at that time was not the kind that would pop.

Pottage: A thick soup likened to a cross between porridge and stew and consisting of grains, vegetables and meat on occasion.

Presidential Pardon (of a turkey): An annual ceremonial event at the White House in which a turkey is given leniency and allowed to live in a safe environment.

Presidential Proclamation: Beginning in 1777, these announcements officially declare the Thanksgiving date.

Puritan: A person who believed that the Church of England could be "purified" from within as opposed to the Pilgrims who were in favor of a complete separation.

Squanto: A Patuxet Indian who endured slavery in Spain before returning to America via England. He was instrumental in teaching the first settlers how to hunt and forage for food.

squash: A range of gourds, including pumpkin, pattypans and Boston marrows, that became a part of the settlers' diet after suffering the first winter with little food.