Their first winter in America was horrible, 46 of 102 passengers that arrived, died. Only the help that the 91 indians gave to them made posible their subsistence. Because of it the “Pilgrims” make in the next harvest a celebration to thank for thier help. This celebration converted in a tradition.
The traditional dish is a big roast turkey stuffing with maize bread. It comes with cranberry sauce and culin vegetables like green bean casserole, sweet potato and mashed potatoes with a sauce made with a turkey juice. Also is prepare pumpkin pie and apple pie.
Here you have some websites related with Thanksgiving day:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
http://www.crewsnest.vispa.com/thanksgivingusa.htm