30 Facts About American Thanksgiving

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday with deep historical roots. Let's explore some fascinating facts about its origins.

1. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. It lasted three days and was a harvest festival.

2. The Pilgrims didn't call it "Thanksgiving." They referred to it as a harvest celebration.

3. The feast included venison, fowl, fish, and corn. Pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes were not on the menu.

4. The Pilgrims and Native Americans played games and engaged in friendly competitions during the celebration.

Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday

How did Thanksgiving transition from a local harvest festival to a national holiday? Here are some key moments.

5. Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday for 17 years.

6. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War, to foster unity.

7. Lincoln's proclamation set the date for Thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November.

8. Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season. This change was met with controversy.

Modern Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving has evolved over the centuries, and many modern traditions have emerged. Let's look at some of these.

9. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and has become an iconic part of the holiday.

10. Watching football on Thanksgiving started in 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton.

11. The National Football League (NFL) has hosted games on Thanksgiving since 1920.

12. The tradition of breaking the wishbone dates back to ancient Rome. It's believed to bring good luck.

Thanksgiving Foods

The Thanksgiving meal is central to the celebration. Here are some interesting facts about the foods we enjoy.

13. Turkey wasn't the main dish at the first Thanksgiving. It became popular in the 19th century.

14. Americans consume about 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving.

15. Cranberries were likely present at the first Thanksgiving, but cranberry sauce as we know it wasn't.

16. Green bean casserole was invented in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company.

Fun Thanksgiving Facts

Thanksgiving is full of quirky and fun facts that might surprise you. Let's dive into some of these.

17. The first TV dinner was created in 1953 by Swanson, inspired by leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

18. "Jingle Bells" was originally written as a Thanksgiving song by James Pierpont in 1857.

19. The day after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday" and is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

20. The tradition of pardoning a turkey began with President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Thanksgiving Around the World

While Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, other countries have similar celebrations. Here are a few examples.

21. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.

22. Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday in November.

23. The Netherlands has a Thanksgiving Day service to commemorate the Pilgrims who left for America.

24. Grenada observes Thanksgiving on October 25th to mark the anniversary of the U.S. invasion in 1983.

Thanksgiving and Pop Culture

Thanksgiving has made its mark on pop culture in various ways. Let's explore some notable mentions.

25. The "Friends" TV show is famous for its Thanksgiving episodes, which aired annually from 1994 to 2004.

26. Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving special first aired in 1973 and remains a beloved holiday tradition.

27. The movie "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (1987) is a classic Thanksgiving-themed film.

28. Thanksgiving is a common theme in American literature, including works by Louisa May Alcott and Mark Twain.

Thanksgiving and Charity

Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back. Many people and organizations focus on helping others during this holiday.

29. The first Thanksgiving food drive was organized by the Salvation Army in 1890.

30. Many communities host "Turkey Trots," which are charity runs held on Thanksgiving morning to raise funds for various causes.

Thanksgiving: A Feast of History and Traditions

Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and pie. It's a celebration steeped in history and rich traditions. From the Pilgrims' first feast to today's parades and football games, this holiday has evolved but still centers on gratitude and togetherness. Did you know that the first Thanksgiving lasted three days? Or that President Lincoln made it a national holiday during the Civil War? These facts remind us of the holiday's deep roots and enduring significance. Whether you're enjoying a meal with family, watching the Macy's Parade, or reflecting on what you're thankful for, Thanksgiving offers a moment to appreciate the past and create new memories. So, as you gather around the table, remember the history and traditions that make this holiday special. Happy Thanksgiving!