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Thanksgiving Day in the United States is synonymous with a big feast that serves turkey as the main dish. Photo/ brand
Although the commonly held belief is that the tradition dates back to the “first Thanksgiving” in 1621 between Pilgrim settlers and the Wampanoag people, historical evidence suggests that turkey may not have been on the menu during that event. Instead, the Pilgrims likely served duck or goose.
Quoted by marca, the Pilgrims initially did not consider the meal an important event and 17th century references to it are rare.
Thanksgiving was a common tradition with roots in European harvest festivals and Christian celebrations among New England colonists.
Why Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving Day?
Turkeys only became popular in the 19th century for Thanksgiving because of their abundance, ease of slaughter on family farms and the practicality of one turkey to satisfy the needs of an entire family.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Sarah Josepha Hale’s 1827 novel “Northwood,” depicting a New England Thanksgiving with a roast turkey at the end of the table, played a role in strengthening the turkey’s association with the holiday meal.
Hale, who also campaigned for Thanksgiving as a national holiday, was successful in his efforts in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation.
Over time, a national mythology around Thanksgiving developed and the cultural connection between the Pilgrims, turkeys and the holiday became an important part of American education.
Although wild turkeys were endangered in the early 20th century, conservation efforts and modern breeding practices have contributed to their resurgence, ensuring their affordability and presence on Thanksgiving dinner tables across the country.
The national tradition of Thanksgiving, with the turkey as its symbol, remains a cornerstone of American culture and unity.
Thanksgiving 2024 will be celebrated on November 28, following the tradition of always falling on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
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