The Fascinating Truths About Thanksgiving: 15 Interesting Facts

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is celebrated with food, family, and gratitude. But how much do you really know about this beloved holiday? In this article, we will uncover 15 fascinating truths about Thanksgiving that you may not have known. From historical origins to quirky traditions, get ready to be surprised and delighted by these interesting facts!

Fact 1: The First Thanksgiving May Not Have Been in Plymouth

While the Pilgrims of Plymouth, Massachusetts, are often credited with hosting the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, there is evidence to suggest that Spanish explorers held a similar celebration in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. This early event may have actually been the first Thanksgiving in America!

Fact 2: Thanksgiving Was Not Always a National Holiday

Thanksgiving was not always the official holiday we know today. In fact, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

Fact 3: The Turkey Presidential Pardon Tradition

Every year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey as part of a Thanksgiving tradition. This quirky practice dates back to President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and has since become a highly anticipated event.

Fact 4: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a beloved tradition that began in 1924. What started as a small gathering of employees has since grown into a massive event featuring giant balloons, floats, and performances.

Fact 5: The Origin of the Cornucopia

The cornucopia is a symbol often associated with Thanksgiving, representing abundance and prosperity. In Greek mythology, the cornucopia is known as the Horn of Plenty and is said to be a magical horn that produces endless food and drink.

Fact 6: Thanksgiving Was Almost a Fast, Not a Feast

In its early days, Thanksgiving was celebrated as a day of fasting and prayer rather than feasting. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the holiday became more focused on food and family gatherings.

Fact 7: Presidential Turkey Pardons

While the tradition of pardoning a turkey dates back to President George H.W. Bush, the actual practice of sending a turkey to live out its days at a farm instead of being eaten goes back even further. President Harry Truman is said to be the first to spare a turkey’s life in 1947.

Fact 8: Thanksgiving Football

One of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions is watching football, with many families gathering around the TV to enjoy the games together. The tradition of Thanksgiving football dates back to 1876 when the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played between Yale and Princeton.

Fact 9: The Connection Between Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known for its sales and deals, but did you know that the term originated in the 1960s? Retailers used the term to describe the chaos that ensued as shoppers flocked to stores after the holiday.

Fact 10: The Largest Pumpkin Pie Ever

In 2010, the town of New Bremen, Ohio, broke the record for the largest pumpkin pie ever baked. The pie weighed in at a whopping 3,699 pounds and measured 20 feet in diameter. Now that’s a lot of pumpkin pie!

Fact 11: The History of Thanksgiving Foods

While turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal, many of the other traditional dishes served on the holiday have interesting histories as well. For example, cranberries were used by Native Americans for their healing properties, while pumpkin pie traces its roots back to early American settlers.

Fact 12: National Day of Mourning

Not everyone sees Thanksgiving as a time of celebration. For many Native Americans, the holiday is a reminder of the colonization and displacement of their ancestors. As a result, some tribes observe Thanksgiving as a National Day of Mourning.

Fact 13: The Origin of the Wishbone Tradition

The tradition of breaking the wishbone of a turkey for good luck dates back to the ancient Romans, who believed that the furcula (or wishbone) held magical properties. The person who gets the larger piece of the wishbone is said to have their wish granted.

Fact 14: Thanksgiving Parades Around the World

While the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is perhaps the most famous Thanksgiving parade, other cities and countries around the world have their own versions of the event. From Toronto to Plymouth, England, these parades celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving in unique ways.

Fact 15: The Day After Thanksgiving is National Native American Heritage Day

In 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law a resolution designating the day after Thanksgiving as National Native American Heritage Day. This day is a time to honor and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a holiday steeped in history and tradition, with many interesting facts and stories to uncover. From the origins of the feast to modern-day traditions, Thanksgiving continues to bring people together in a spirit of gratitude and celebration. So, as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating truths that make this holiday so special.