Here are nine interesting facts about Thanksgiving:
1. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 over a three-day harvest festival: The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans came together to celebrate a successful harvest in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a time of giving thanks for the blessings of the year.
2. Turkey wasn’t on the menu at the first Thanksgiving: While the exact menu is not known, primary sources indicate that the Pilgrims and Native Americans likely feasted on venison, seafood, corn, and other local produce. Turkey did not become a Thanksgiving staple until much later.
3. Thanksgiving became a national holiday thanks to Abraham Lincoln: On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. He hoped it would help unify a country divided by the Civil War.
4. The history of U.S. Presidents pardoning turkeys is patchy: While it is now a tradition for the President to “pardon” a turkey each year, the origin of the tradition is unclear. Some believe it dates back to President Lincoln, who reportedly spared a turkey’s life after his son begged him to do so.
5. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started in 1924: The iconic parade, held in New York City, began as a way for Macy’s employees, many of whom were immigrants, to celebrate their new American holiday traditions. It has since become a beloved annual event, featuring giant character balloons, floats, and performances.
6. The average American consumes around 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving: With indulgent dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies, it’s no wonder that Thanksgiving is often associated with overeating. This calorie count is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake.
7. Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year: The day after Thanksgiving has become synonymous with incredible sales and discounts. Retailers offer deep discounts, and many people kick off their holiday shopping on this day.
8. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation has been a tradition since 1947: Each year, a turkey is presented to the President of the United States as a symbol of gratitude. The turkey is typically spared and sent to live out the rest of its days on a farm.
9. Thanksgiving is celebrated in other countries too: While Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, similar celebrations exist in other countries. For example, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, and Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25th.
These are just a few fun and interesting facts about Thanksgiving. The holiday holds a significant place in American culture and history, and it’s a time for family, gratitude, and indulgence in delicious food.