DEAR ABBY: Last year, our family added a new tradition to our Thanksgiving celebration. As we were being seated at the table, we wondered about a packet of corn kernels at each plate. Our 8-year-old granddaughter explained by reciting "The Legend of the Five Kernels":
"It was very cold for the Pilgrims that first winter. Food was in short supply. Some days, they had only five kernels of corn. When spring came, the Pilgrims planted the remaining corn. The sun and rain helped the seeds to grow and much food was harvested in the fall. Every Thanksgiving thereafter, the Pilgrims placed five kernels of corn beside each plate to remind them of their blessings:
"The first kernel reminded them of the autumn beauty.
"The second reminded them of their love for each other.
"The third reminded them of their family's love.
"The fourth reminded them of their friends ... especially their Indian brothers.
"The fifth kernel reminded them of their freedom."
Abby, I am blessed to have learned something I never knew before. -- Z. JACOBS, FLORIDA
DEAR Z.: What a charming tradition. It honors the original inhabitants of our great country, as well as the immigrants who followed.