Did You Know? 15 Interesting Facts About Thanksgiving

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and delicious food. But did you know that there are some interesting facts about Thanksgiving that you may not be aware of? In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about Thanksgiving that will surprise and delight you.

Fact 1: 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 shellfish.

Fact 2: Turkey Time

Turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving dinner, but did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be the turkey instead of the bald eagle?

Fact 3: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 and was originally called the Macy’s Christmas Parade. It featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.

Fact 4: Cranberry Craze

Cranberries are a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, but did you know that they can bounce? That’s right, fresh cranberries will bounce like rubber balls!

Fact 5: Presidential Pardons

Every year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey, saving it from being on someone’s dinner table. This tradition started with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Fact 6: The Wishbone Tradition

The wishbone tradition dates back to the ancient Romans. Two people would hold the ends of the wishbone, make a wish, and then pull until it snapped. The person with the larger piece would have their wish granted.

Fact 7: National Day of Mourning

For some Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not a day of celebration. Instead, it is a National Day of Mourning to honor the struggles of their ancestors.

Fact 8: Football Frenzy

Football has become a Thanksgiving tradition in the United States. The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934.

Fact 9: Harvest Festival

Thanksgiving has its roots in the harvest festivals of ancient cultures. Giving thanks for a bountiful harvest has been a tradition for thousands of years.

Fact 10: Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is the busiest shopping day of the year. It is called “Black Friday” because it is the day when retailers’ accounts go from being in the red to being in the black.

Fact 11: Thanksgiving Proclamation

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November.

Fact 12: Pumpkin Pie Perfection

Pumpkin pie is a staple of Thanksgiving dessert, but did you know that early American settlers actually filled a pumpkin shell with milk, honey, and spices to make the first pumpkin pies?

Fact 13: Turducken Tradition

Some families have adopted the tradition of cooking a turducken for Thanksgiving. A turducken is a chicken stuffed inside a duck, stuffed inside a turkey.

Fact 14: Harvest Moon

The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is known as the Harvest Moon. This moonrise provides extra light for farmers to finish their harvest.

Fact 15: Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are grateful for. Whether it’s family, friends, health, or happiness, take a moment to give thanks on this special holiday.

Conclusion

These 15 facts about Thanksgiving shed light on the history, traditions, and celebrations surrounding this beloved holiday. Whether you are gathering with loved ones, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply taking a moment to give thanks, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and appreciate the blessings in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!