Interesting Thanksgiving Factoids

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday that brings family and friends together to give thanks and celebrate the blessings in their lives. While we all know the basics of Thanksgiving – turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie – there are some fascinating factoids that you may not have heard before. In this article, we will explore 15 interesting Thanksgiving factoids that will surprise and delight you.

Fact 1: The first Thanksgiving was a three-day celebration

Contrary to popular belief, the first Thanksgiving was actually a three-day celebration. It took place in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans. It wasn’t just one meal, but rather a multi-day feast filled with food, games, and celebration.

Fact 2: Turkey was not the main dish at the first Thanksgiving

While turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving, it was not the main dish at the first Thanksgiving. Historians believe that the Pilgrims and Native Americans likely feasted on deer, fish, and other game meats during the celebration.

Fact 3: The first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts

The first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims had established their settlement. It was a way for the Pilgrims to give thanks for a successful harvest and forge relationships with the Native Americans.

Fact 4: Thanksgiving was not a national holiday until 1863

While Thanksgiving has been celebrated for centuries, it did not become a national holiday in the United States until 1863. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

Fact 5: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition since 1924

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that began in 1924. It originally featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo, but now includes larger-than-life balloons, floats, and performances.

Fact 6: The average American consumes 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence, with the average American consuming a whopping 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day alone. From turkey and gravy to mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, the feast adds up quickly.

Fact 7: The tradition of breaking the wishbone comes from the Romans

The tradition of breaking the wishbone, a bone found in the turkey’s chest, comes from the ancient Romans. They believed that breaking the wishbone – also known as the furcula – would bring good luck.

Fact 8: Cranberries are a staple of Thanksgiving dinner

Cranberries are a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, whether in sauce, relish, or as a side dish. They are a native fruit to North America and have been enjoyed by Native Americans for centuries.

Fact 9: Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. Retailers offer deep discounts, and shoppers flock to stores to score great deals on holiday gifts.

Fact 10: The Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving since 1934

The Detroit Lions have played a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934. It has become a tradition for football fans to watch the Lions play on Thanksgiving, whether they win or lose.

Fact 11: Turkeys can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour

Turkeys may seem slow-moving, but they can actually run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour when startled or threatened. This impressive speed helps them evade predators in the wild.

Fact 12: The heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds

The heaviest turkey ever recorded weighed a whopping 86 pounds. This gigantic bird was bred for size and could have fed a large crowd at a Thanksgiving feast.

Fact 13: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada, but on a different day

While Thanksgiving is primarily associated with the United States, it is also celebrated in Canada. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, giving thanks for the harvest and blessings in their lives.

Fact 14: President John F. Kennedy was the first to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy became the first president to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey, sparing the bird from being served for dinner. This lighthearted tradition continues to this day with the annual turkey pardon.

Fact 15: The world’s largest pumpkin pie weighed over 3,000 pounds

The world’s largest pumpkin pie was baked in New Bremen, Ohio, in 2010, weighing in at over 3,000 pounds. It measured 20 feet in diameter and required 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin, 2,796 eggs, and 109 gallons of evaporated milk.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with tradition, history, and delicious food. These 15 interesting Thanksgiving factoids give us a deeper understanding and appreciation for this special day. Whether you’re enjoying a feast with loved ones, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or cheering on the Detroit Lions, Thanksgiving is a time to come together, give thanks, and create lasting memories.