30 Surprising Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday steeped in history, tradition, and cultural significance. Beyond the familiar turkey dinners and family gatherings, there are numerous intriguing facts that add depth to this annual celebration. Here are over 30 fascinating insights into Thanksgiving’s origins, customs, and evolution.

Historical Origins

1. The First Thanksgiving
   In 1621, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a three-day feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, often regarded as the first Thanksgiving. This event celebrated the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in the New World.
2. National Holiday Proclamation
   President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, designating the final Thursday in November for its observance. This was during the Civil War, aiming to foster unity.
3. Date Adjustment
   In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up one week to extend the holiday shopping season. This change was met with controversy, leading Congress to establish the fourth Thursday in November as the official date in 1941.

Culinary Traditions

4. Turkey Dominance
   Approximately 45 million turkeys are consumed each Thanksgiving in the United States, making it the most popular main dish for the holiday.
5. Cranberry Sauce Origins
   Cranberries, native to North America, were likely present at early Thanksgiving feasts. The tradition of serving cranberry sauce became popular in the 19th century.
6. Pumpkin Pie Popularity
   Pumpkin pie, now a staple dessert, wasn’t part of the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims lacked the butter and wheat flour needed for pie crusts. The dessert gained popularity in the late 18th century.
7. Macy’s Parade
   The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924 in New York City. It featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo and has since become an annual tradition.

Presidential Traditions

8. Turkey Pardon
   The tradition of the presidential turkey pardon began in 1947 under President Harry Truman. Each year, the president spares a turkey from becoming dinner, allowing it to live out its days peacefully.

Cultural Impact

9. Football Games
   The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton. Today, watching football is a common Thanksgiving tradition.
10. Black Friday
    The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts, leading to one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Fun Facts

11. Turkey Trot
    The oldest Thanksgiving Day race, the Buffalo Turkey Trot, began in 1896 and continues to this day.
12. TV Dinners
    In 1953, an overestimation of Thanksgiving turkey demand led to 260 tons of leftover turkey. This surplus inspired the creation of the first TV dinners.
13. Ben Franklin’s Preference
    Benjamin Franklin preferred the turkey over the bald eagle as the national bird, considering it more respectable.
14. Caloric Intake
    The average American consumes about 4,500 calories during a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
15. Parade Balloons
    The Macy’s Parade introduced giant balloons in 1927, with Felix the Cat being the first character featured.
16. Turkey’s Name Origin
    The name “turkey” comes from Turkish merchants who imported guinea fowls to Europe, which were mistakenly thought to be the same bird.
17. First TV Broadcast
    The first live national broadcast of the Macy’s Parade was in 1948, bringing the spectacle into homes across America.
18. Thanksgiving in Space
    Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have celebrated Thanksgiving with rehydrated turkey and other traditional dishes since 2000.
19. Largest Pumpkin Pie
    The world’s largest pumpkin pie was baked in 2010, measuring over 20 feet in diameter and weighing more than 3,700 pounds.
20. Turkey’s Sleepy Reputation
    While turkey contains tryptophan, it’s the large, carbohydrate-rich meals that contribute more to post-Thanksgiving dinner drowsiness.
21. “Jingle Bells” Origins
    The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for a Thanksgiving program at a church in Savannah, Georgia, in 1857.
22. Cranberry Bounce Test
    Ripe cranberries bounce due to small air pockets inside, a characteristic used to test their ripeness.
23. Female Turkeys Don’t Gobble
    Only male turkeys, called toms, gobble. Females, known as hens, make clicking noises.
24. Butterball Turkey Hotline
    The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line was launched in 1981, helping thousands of cooks prepare their Thanksgiving turkeys each year.
25. Thanksgiving in Canada
    Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, marking the end of the harvest season.

Fun and Unusual Facts

26. Frozen Turkeys Travel Far
    Frozen turkeys sold in grocery stores often travel over 1,500 miles to reach their destination.
27. Cornucopia Symbolism
    The cornucopia, a symbol of Thanksgiving, originates from Greek mythology, symbolizing abundance and nourishment.
28. Turkey’s Speed
    Wild turkeys can run up to 20 mph when spooked and can fly short distances at speeds of up to 55 mph.
29. Annual Turkey Weight
    The average Thanksgiving turkey weighs about 15 pounds.
30. Native American Contribution
    Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land and introduced them to corn, which became a staple crop.
31. Gravy Boats
    Gravy boats as tableware became popular in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of elaborate Thanksgiving dinners.

Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in history, tradition, and culture. From its humble beginnings in Plymouth to the modern-day celebrations filled with food, parades, and football, Thanksgiving remains a day of gratitude and togetherness. These 30+ facts shed light on the many facets of this beloved holiday, offering a deeper appreciation for its significance. Whether you’re sharing a meal with family or enjoying a quiet moment of thanks, these insights remind us of the history and traditions that make Thanksgiving special.