The Legend Of The 5 Kernels Of Corn
Celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving by reading this beautiful history and legend of the first Thanksgiving Day and the 5 kernels of corn.
Thanksgiving is truly my favorite holiday. It’s a time when our families come together, gathering around a delicious meal to pause and express our gratitude, stepping away from the busyness of life.
This holiday holds a special place in my heart because of its deep American roots and God-centered purpose. By its very name, Thanksgiving is a day set apart for both personal and communal thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s many blessings in our lives.
Have you ever heard of The Legend of the 5 Kernels of Corn? This story weaves its way through Thanksgiving history and has become a beautiful way to help us count our blessings.
In our home, we set out five kernels of corn at each place around the table, sharing the story passed down through generations. These five simple kernels have grown to become a cherished part of our Thanksgiving tradition in our home.
THE STORY GOES
On November 11, 1620, the Mayflower landed on the northern tip of Cape Cod, carrying the Pilgrims, a group in search of religious freedom.
Settling in a new land proved to be immensely difficult, and the Pilgrims faced unimaginable hardships. As winter set in, they endured bitter cold and severe food shortages. It’s said that during the harsh winter of 1621, their food supply dwindled to the point that sometimes only five kernels of corn were rationed per person.
Yet, even in such scarcity, those five kernels symbolized gratitude. When something is seen as a blessing, however small, it can be immense in its significance.
We really can’t say for sure if this story is true, but what a reminder to count our blessings in all things, great and small!
HOW WE USE THE 5 KERNELS OF CORN
We take turns going around the table each Thanksgiving, with everyone sharing five things they’re grateful for. Our tradition often brings hearty laughter, a few sentimental tears, and a room of nodding heads united in gratitude. There’s a warmth that fills the room, a sense of God’s presence surrounding us all.
God calls us to be a people of gratitude.
“Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
This verse encourages us to acknowledge God’s grace in every part of our lives. No matter the situation, we are invited to see His hand of goodness, kindness, love, and help woven throughout. For those of us in a relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior, it’s important to let Him know we recognize His work in our lives and offer praise from grateful hearts.
All blessings, big and small, flow from God’s generous hand. If we intentionally look for His goodness, we’ll find it—even in difficult times! God is always with us, always blessing us, and sometimes we just need to look a little closer.
This Thanksgiving, I hope you and those gathered around your table find a special way to give thanks to our gracious, loving God.
Do you have a Thanksgiving family tradition that honors our Heavenly Father? I’d love to hear about it!
Words To Ponder
Take time to think about, memorize, and pray this Bible verse this week…
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4.
Happy Sunday, friends!
Thank you so much. If we would all count our blessings every day, we would all be more joyful.
A truly wonderful holiday we once shared with our Christian church on an American Airbase . Whilst it is not our holiday our children learned a very valuable lesson in giving thanks for what we have . In Germany two of them rode their new bikes to a German lesson and were to bring home some chicken and peppers for our evening meal to be cooked . Along the way they stopped to look in a toy shop window and promptly their bikes were stolen . No bikes , no lesson and no chicken . We sat around the table that evening and individually gave thanks for the boiled rice and water that we did have and not for what we didn’t ! A great lesson and one that none of us have forgotten . Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family .
Our family usually goes around the table, giving thanks to our Lord and Savior, as well as sharing what makes us most thankful. Let us always be grateful for His blessings. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Yvonne: I love to read and re-read your inspirational messages throughout the year. You are dear to me. ‘You have a special place in my heart’ … Philippians 1:7
Sharon, what a blessing to hear! Thank you!
What a wonderful way to share with others, what you are thankful for. I feel at times people are quick to ask God for a blessing, but not as quick to say, thank you for the blessings or for at least be with us during this time.
This is a beautiful story. I absolutely love it and plan on sharing it with my family and any friends who might gather at our Thanksgiving table. I believe, it is important with all the problems in the country, our world, and possibly within our families, we remind ourselves there is still goodness and blessings within our lives.
I’m so glad you are sharing this, Patty! Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m now on a mission to find Indian corn! Love your idea!
I use kraft paper to cover the table where the grandkids sit. They draw their blessings all over it. I had to keep it last year it was so precious. Just may use it again and they can add to it.
Keep it. Always add to it. Some day when u are 80 you will look at it and love it more
How sweet! Such wisdom in your comment, Wendy!
In your “Words to Ponder”, it is Psalm 100:4, not 109:4. Blessings on you and yours this season.
Oh dear! I have terrible dyslexia! And it shows up at the most inopportune times! Thanks so much. I’ll make that correction.
Dear Yvonne, it’s till 109, you have not corrected it. It needs to be Psalm 100.
Oops! A slip of my pinky finger. Thanks for letting me know. Fixed.
I LOVE this story. I am inspired to use this tradition around my own Thanksgiving table with my family. Thank you fir sharing.
I am loving the orange silverware. Where can I find it?
Hi Pat, I’m thrilled you will be weaving this into your family tradition! The flatware is vintage. I picked it up at a shop decades ago. It’s easy to find around here.
Yvonne! What a wonderful tradition! I am doing this, this year. I have the perfect little dishes from my great grandmother to put the 5 kernels of corn in! What a great way to honor God and be thankful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Smiles,
Terry