45 Facts About Thanksgiving

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Its origins are deeply rooted in history, culture, and tradition. Here are some fascinating facts about how Thanksgiving began.

1. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
2. The feast lasted for three days and included games, dancing, and singing.
3. Turkey was not the main dish at the first Thanksgiving; instead, venison, fowl, and seafood were served.
4. The Pilgrims did not use forks during the meal; they ate with spoons, knives, and their hands.
5. The first Thanksgiving was not called "Thanksgiving" by the Pilgrims; it was a harvest celebration.

Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday

The journey of Thanksgiving from a regional celebration to a national holiday is an interesting one. Here are some key moments that helped shape Thanksgiving as we know it today.

6. Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, campaigned for 17 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
7. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War.
8. Lincoln scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November.
9. Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season, but it was met with controversy.
10. In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is rich with traditions that have evolved over the years. These customs bring families together and create lasting memories.

11. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and has become an annual tradition.
12. Watching football on Thanksgiving started in 1934 with a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
13. Breaking the wishbone is a popular Thanksgiving tradition believed to bring good luck.
14. The tradition of pardoning a turkey by the President began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
15. Thanksgiving leftovers are often enjoyed for days after the holiday, with turkey sandwiches being a favorite.

Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the U.S. and Canada, other countries have their own versions of this holiday.

16. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.
17. In Germany, a similar harvest festival called Erntedankfest is celebrated in early October.
18. Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25th to commemorate the U.S. invasion in 1983.
19. Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday in November.
20. Japan has a similar holiday called Labor Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on November 23rd.

Thanksgiving Foods

The Thanksgiving meal is the highlight of the holiday, featuring a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some interesting facts about Thanksgiving foods.

21. Turkey is the most common main dish, with over 46 million turkeys consumed each Thanksgiving.
22. Cranberry sauce was first introduced to the Thanksgiving table in the early 19th century.
23. Pumpkin pie, a staple dessert, originated from early American settlers who used pumpkins as a food source.
24. Sweet potatoes are often served with marshmallows, a tradition that began in the early 20th century.
25. Green bean casserole was created by the Campbell Soup Company in 1955.

Fun Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is full of fun and quirky facts that add to the holiday's charm. Here are some you might not know.

26. The night before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest bar nights of the year in the U.S.
27. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
28. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year.
29. The first TV dinner was created in 1953 by Swanson, inspired by Thanksgiving leftovers.
30. The heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds.

Thanksgiving and Giving Back

Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back to the community. Many people use this holiday to help those in need.

31. Many communities host Thanksgiving food drives to collect non-perishable items for those in need.
32. Soup kitchens and shelters often serve special Thanksgiving meals to the homeless.
33. Some families volunteer their time on Thanksgiving to help serve meals at local charities.
34. The "Turkey Trot" is a popular Thanksgiving Day race that raises money for various causes.
35. Many people donate to food banks during the Thanksgiving season.

Thanksgiving in Pop Culture

Thanksgiving has made its mark in pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music. Here are some notable examples.

36. The classic Thanksgiving movie "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" was released in 1987.
37. The "Friends" TV show is famous for its Thanksgiving episodes, featuring memorable moments and guest stars.
38. The song "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie is a Thanksgiving tradition for many, telling a humorous story set on Thanksgiving Day.
39. The Peanuts special "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" first aired in 1973 and remains a beloved holiday classic.
40. "The Thanksgiving Song" by Adam Sandler, performed on "Saturday Night Live," has become a holiday favorite.

Thanksgiving and Technology

Technology has changed the way we celebrate Thanksgiving, from how we cook to how we connect with loved ones.

41. Many people use apps and websites to find new Thanksgiving recipes.
42. Video calls have become a popular way to connect with family members who can't be there in person.
43. Social media is filled with Thanksgiving posts, from food photos to expressions of gratitude.
44. Online shopping on Thanksgiving Day has become increasingly popular, with many retailers offering early Black Friday deals.
45. Smart kitchen gadgets, like programmable slow cookers and instant-read thermometers, make preparing the Thanksgiving meal easier.

Thanksgiving's Rich Tapestry

Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and football. It's a holiday steeped in history, traditions, and fascinating facts. From the first feast in 1621 to the modern-day parades, Thanksgiving has evolved but still holds its core values of gratitude and togetherness. Did you know that the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo? Or that the TV dinner was invented because of a Thanksgiving surplus? These tidbits make the holiday even more intriguing. Whether you're sharing a meal with family or watching the big game, remember the rich history behind this beloved holiday. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we're thankful for and to appreciate the quirky, fun facts that make it unique. So, as you enjoy your pumpkin pie, think about the stories and traditions that have shaped this special day. Happy Thanksgiving!