The day's celebration includes the story of the five kernels.
Traditions says that the pilgrims' first winter int heir new homeland was harsh and difficult. To keep from starving, food was strictly rationed. On some days the people subsisted on only five kernels of ccorn. When spring came, they planted whatever (if any) corn was left.
Today, in honor of those pilgrims, people in Plymourg often begin their meal on Forefathers' Day with five kernels of corn on their plates, representing what the pilgrims had to eat during that first winter. At dinner, guests pick up each individual kernel, and recite something for which they are thankful.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw