Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a delicious feast. Here are some interesting facts about Thanksgiving:
The First Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a three-day feast that included turkey, deer, fish, and various types of vegetables. The Pilgrims wanted to thank the Native Americans for teaching them how to grow crops and survive in the new land.
The Presidential Turkey Pardon
Every year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey from being eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. This tradition started in 1947 when President Harry Truman received a turkey as a gift from the National Turkey Federation.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 and has become a tradition for many families. The parade features giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrities. The most famous balloon is the giant Snoopy balloon.
Turkey Consumption
Over 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving Day in the United States. That is equivalent to about one turkey for every six people in the country. Turkey is not the only food that is eaten on Thanksgiving. Other popular dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Black Friday
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is the busiest shopping day of the year. It is called Black Friday because it is the day when retailers start to turn a profit and go from being "in the red" to being "in the black."
Football
Football is a big part of Thanksgiving for many families. The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys both host games on Thanksgiving Day. The tradition started in 1934 when the Lions played the Chicago Bears.
The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is a hotline that people can call if they have questions about how to cook their turkey. The hotline has been around since 1981 and has helped millions of people cook their Thanksgiving turkey.
The Origins of Thanksgiving
The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the English Reformation in the 16th century. The holiday was brought to North America by the Pilgrims, who wanted to give thanks for their survival in the new land. The holiday became an official national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a day of thanksgiving and praise.
The Wishbone
The wishbone is a bone that is found in the turkey's breast. Traditionally, two people will each hold one end of the wishbone and make a wish. The person who gets the larger piece of the wishbone will have their wish granted.
The Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is also celebrated in Canada, but on a different day. Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October and is a time to give thanks for the harvest and other blessings of the year.
The Turkey Trot
The Turkey Trot is a fun run that takes place on Thanksgiving Day in many cities across the United States. It is a way for people to burn off some calories before they sit down to their Thanksgiving feast.
The Guinness World Record for Stuffing
The Guinness World Record for the largest serving of stuffing weighed 1,057 pounds and was made by a team of chefs in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 2017. The stuffing contained breadcrumbs, onions, celery, chicken broth, and spices.
The Cornucopia
The cornucopia, also known as the "horn of plenty," is a symbol of abundance and is often used as a centerpiece on Thanksgiving tables. It is typically filled with fruits, vegetables, and other harvest-themed decorations.
The Origins of the Name "Turkey"
The name "turkey" comes from the country of Turkey. When Europeans first encountered the bird in the Americas, they thought it was a type of guinea fowl that had been imported from Turkey.
The History of Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce has been a part of Thanksgiving dinner since the 1800s. It was originally served as a way to add flavor to the dry meat. Cranberry sauce is made by cooking cranberries with sugar and water until they burst and form a thick sauce.
The Origins of Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole was invented by the Campbell Soup Company in 1955. The recipe calls for green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions. It has become a popular Thanksgiving side dish.
The History of Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie has been a part of Thanksgiving dinner since the early 1800s. The recipe calls for pumpkin, sugar, spices, and a pie crust. The pumpkin is usually cooked and mashed before it is mixed with the other ingredients.
The Mayflower
The Mayflower was the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620. The ship was small and cramped, and the journey was long and difficult. The Pilgrims were happy to finally reach land and start their new lives.
The Origins of the Pilgrims
The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who wanted to break away from the Church of England. They believed in a simpler form of worship and wanted to practice their religion without interference from the government. They left England in search of religious freedom.
The Thanksgivukkah
In 2013, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fell on the same day for the first time in over 100 years. The holiday was dubbed "Thanksgivukkah" and was celebrated with traditional foods from both holidays, such as turkey and latkes.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a holiday that is steeped in tradition and is celebrated by millions of people across the United States. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year and to spend time with family and friends. Whether you are feasting on turkey, watching football, or participating in a Turkey Trot, there is something for everyone on Thanksgiving Day.