ColorNest
The tall black hat with a buckle that we now call a pilgrim hat was actually not worn by the Pilgrims who came on the Mayflower in 1620. That style of hat became popular later, in the 1700s, and was used in illustrations during the 1800s to represent colonial-era settlers. The Pilgrims actually wore a variety of colors and plainer styles. Despite this historical quirk, the buckled hat remains one of the most recognized symbols of Thanksgiving.
Coloring ideas: the classic pilgrim hat is black with a white or cream buckle, but there is no rule — try a deep navy with a golden buckle for a richer look. The surrounding leaves are the real opportunity for autumn color: work through the leaves in waves of red, orange, gold, and brown to create a vivid seasonal wreath effect around the hat.
This image is straightforward for younger kids. The hat is a simple large shape and the leaves are self-contained. A fun activity idea: color each leaf a different shade, then cut out the page and use it as a seasonal decoration.
