29 interesting facts about Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, celebrated predominantly in the United States and Canada, is a holiday rich with history, tradition, and cultural significance. Originating as a harvest festival, it has evolved into a day of giving thanks, feasting, and spending time with loved ones. The origins of Thanksgiving are commonly traced back to the 1621 celebration at Plymouth, where the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal. However, the holiday has undergone many transformations and has been influenced by various cultures and traditions over the centuries. From the iconic turkey dinner to the annual presidential turkey pardon, Thanksgiving is filled with fascinating customs that reflect the diversity and spirit of the American people. Here are 29 interesting and informative facts about Thanksgiving that showcase the holiday’s unique aspects and historical roots.

1. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
2. The original feast likely included venison, duck, goose, oysters, lobster, eel, and fish, but not the traditional turkey.
3. Thanksgiving became an official holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise.”
4. Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday for 17 years.
5. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, different from the U.S. celebration on the fourth Thursday of November.
6. The tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving began in 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton.
7. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924 and has since become one of the largest and most famous holiday parades in the United States.
8. The first TV dinner was created in 1953 by Swanson because of an overestimation of Thanksgiving turkey demand, resulting in 260 tons of leftover turkey.
9. The presidential turkey pardon is an annual event where the President of the United States pardons a turkey from being slaughtered.
10. The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the start of the holiday shopping season.
11. Each year, the average number of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving in the United States is around 46 million.
12. The concept of a “harvest festival” similar to Thanksgiving is celebrated in various cultures around the world.
13. “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas.
14. The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1869, only six years after the holiday was proclaimed.
15. The Pilgrims didn’t use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.
16. Franklin D. Roosevelt once moved Thanksgiving up a week to extend the holiday shopping season.
17. Thanksgiving is the reason for the creation of TV trays.
18. “Franksgiving” was a term coined when Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to change the date of Thanksgiving.
19. The busiest travel day of the year in the United States is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
20. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
21. The National Turkey Federation presents the turkeys for the presidential pardon ceremony.
22. Stuffing recipes vary regionally, with some southern states preferring cornbread stuffing and others opting for oysters or sausage.
23. The first Thanksgiving proclamation was made by George Washington in 1789.
24. Approximately 50 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans attended the first Thanksgiving feast, which lasted three days.
25. Wild turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour when they are scared.
26. The tradition of breaking the wishbone for good luck originates from ancient civilizations, including the Romans and the Etruscans.
27. Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in the United States.
28. Pumpkin pie, a Thanksgiving staple, was not served at the first Thanksgiving. Early settlers lacked the ingredients for a traditional pie.
29. The term “Thanksgiving” first appeared in print in 1623, referring to the Pilgrims’ practice of giving thanks to God for their survival and harvest.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, feasting, and celebrating the bounty of the harvest season. It’s a holiday that brings together families and communities, reflecting on the past and creating memories that last a lifetime. From its historical origins to the modern-day traditions, Thanksgiving embodies the spirit of generosity, camaraderie, and thankfulness. These 29 facts offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of customs and stories that make Thanksgiving a cherished holiday across the United States and beyond. As we gather around the table each year, we’re reminded of the enduring values and the shared history that Thanksgiving represents.

Thanksgiving, celebrated predominantly in the United States and Canada, is a holiday rich with history, tradition, and cultural significance. Originating as a harvest festival, it has evolved into a day of giving thanks, feasting, and spending time with loved ones. The origins of Thanksgiving are commonly traced back to the…