Fascinating Thanksgiving Trivia: 15 Surprising Facts

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, with traditions that involve gathering with loved ones to share a bountiful meal. While many of us are familiar with the basics of Thanksgiving, there are some fascinating facts and trivia about this holiday that might surprise you. In this article, we will explore 15 surprising facts about Thanksgiving that will surely pique your interest.

Fact 1: The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t About Turkey

Contrary to popular belief, the first Thanksgiving in 1621 between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans did not feature turkey as the main dish. Instead, historians believe that the meal likely consisted of venison, fish, and shellfish.

Fact 2: Thanksgiving Wasn’t Always a National Holiday

It wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Prior to that, each state celebrated the holiday on different days.

Fact 3: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Started in 1924

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition in New York City, began in 1924. It originally featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo instead of the giant balloons we see today.

Fact 4: The Average American Consumes 3,000 Calories on Thanksgiving

It’s no secret that Thanksgiving dinner is a feast, with all the trimmings and desserts. The average American consumes around 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day alone, which is more than most people’s daily intake.

Fact 5: The First TV Dinner Was Created as a Solution to Thanksgiving Leftovers

In 1953, Swanson created the first TV dinner as a way to use up the excess turkeys they had left over from Thanksgiving. This convenient meal in a tray revolutionized the way Americans ate dinner.

Fact 6: Thanksgiving Was Almost a Fast Instead of a Feast

Before the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day fast to pray for rain. When the rain finally came, they celebrated with a feast, which became known as the first Thanksgiving.

Fact 7: The Butterball Turkey Hotline Answers Thousands of Calls Every Thanksgiving

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has been helping people cook their Thanksgiving turkeys since 1981. It receives thousands of calls each year, with questions ranging from how to thaw a turkey to how to carve it.

Fact 8: Thanksgiving Used to Be Celebrated in October in Canada

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It originally began as a way to give thanks for a successful harvest, rather than as a historical celebration like in the United States.

Fact 9: The Presidential Turkey Pardon Tradition Started in 1947

The tradition of the President pardoning a turkey began with President Harry S. Truman in 1947. Since then, it has become a lighthearted tradition that takes place every year.

Fact 10: Cranberries Are a Major Thanksgiving Staple

Cranberries are one of the most popular ingredients in Thanksgiving dishes, from cranberry sauce to cranberry pie. They are native to North America and have been a part of Thanksgiving meals for centuries.

Fact 11: The First Thanksgiving Football Game Was Played in 1876

The first Thanksgiving football game was played between Yale and Princeton in 1876. Since then, football has become a Thanksgiving tradition, with NFL games played every year.

Fact 12: Black Friday Marks the Start of the Holiday Shopping Season

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known for its massive sales and discounts. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Fact 13: The Largest Pumpkin Pie Ever Made Weighed Over 3,000 Pounds

In 2010, the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio baked the largest pumpkin pie ever made, weighing over 3,000 pounds. It was 20 feet in diameter and used 900 pounds of pumpkin.

Fact 14: The Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish is Mashed Potatoes

According to surveys, mashed potatoes are the most popular side dish at Thanksgiving dinners. They are a comforting and delicious addition to any holiday meal.

Fact 15: Turkeys Can Change the Color of Their Heads When They Get Excited

Turkeys have a unique ability to change the color of their head and neck when they become excited or agitated. This color change can range from red to blue, depending on their emotions.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in tradition and history, with surprising facts and trivia that add to its allure. From the origins of the first Thanksgiving meal to the evolution of modern-day celebrations, these 15 facts offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Thanksgiving. As you gather with family and friends to enjoy the feast and festivities, remember these tidbits of information that make Thanksgiving even more fascinating.