Pilgrim Forefather's Day
About Pilgrim Forefather's Day
When is Pilgrim Forefather's Day? This holiday is always observed on December 21
Pilgrim Forefather’s Day is today. This December 21 holiday commemorates the pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock on this date in 1620. They left for the New World, to escape religious persecution. After a late fall start, the Mayflower set sail from England and landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts just before Christmas. This holiday is celebrated largely in New England. If you are not from New England, chances are you this is the first you have heard of Forefather’s Day.
The pilgrims originally set sail from England in two ships, the Speedwell and the Mayflower. The Speedwell leaked so badly, that they were forced to return to England, Ultimately, they all crammed into the Mayflower, and set sail from Plymouth, England. It was much later than they had planned. Strong fall west winds also delayed their arrival in the New World. Finally, on December 21, 1620 they landed. One can only imagine the hardships those first pilgrims suffered as they arrived in the New World in late December. As a result, many of them died over the harsh New England winter months. 45 of the 102 passengers who came on the Mayflower did not survive the winter of 1620 – 1621.
How to Celebrate Pilgrim Forefather's Day
Here are some ways that you can celebrate this important historic event:
- Read about the pilgrim and Plymouth Rock.
- If you’ve never been to Plymouth Rock, plan a trip with the family. It doesn’t have to be now. Rather, plan the trip for next summer when the weather is warm.
- Make a meal fit for the original pilgrims. Make it a teaching moment for your kids.
Today's Quote
“If you tell me the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” – – Mark Twain
History and Origin of Pilgrim Forefather's Day
Pilgrims’ Forefather’s Day was first celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1769, over 140 years after the pilgrims landed there. A group of descendants gathered to have a feast in honor of the pilgrims. This group shared a meal together, which included many native American delicacies.
This Day in History
Besides Pilgrim Forefather’s Day, here are some other things that happened on this day:
- Pierre and Marie Curie discover radium. (1898)
- “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premieres at theaters. (1937)
- Ray Romano, actor, comedian, TV series “Everyone Loves Raymond”, was born on this day in 1957.
More December 21 Holidays
Additionally, here are more December 21 holidays and events we are certain you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date.
Famous Birthdays – Find out who shares your birth date.
Recipe of the Day: Homemade Cornbread -your forefathers would love it!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for Pilgrim Forefather’s Day or just about any December calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Without a doubt, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. So, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Pilgrim Forefather’s Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.
