For many Americans Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t complete without a roasted turkey as the centerpiece. But have you ever wondered how the turkey became so closely associated with this beloved American holiday?
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
While Thanksgiving celebrations date back to the early 1600s among European settlers in America, it did not become an official national holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day.
The popular narrative of the “first Thanksgiving” in 1621 describes a three-day harvest feast attended by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people. Historical records show fowl was served, but do not specify turkeys. Due to their regional abundance, ducks, geese or passenger pigeons may have been the wild birds consumed.
How the Turkey Was Popularized
In the mid-1800s, magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned tirelessly to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She also emphasized turkey as the preferred main dish for the occasion. Hale published Thanksgiving recipes and menus centered around roasted turkey in her widely read publications. Her festive descriptions and advocacy of turkey resonated with the public.
Advances in poultry farming and transport further enabled turkeys to grace tables across America. Domesticated turkey breeds with plumper breasts and more white meat were developed to meet demand. Refrigerated railcars could ship dressed turkeys nationwide. As a result, turkey production dramatically increased by the early 20th century.
Why the Turkey Became Symbolic
Abundance – A roasted turkey can feed a crowd Plentiful wild turkeys represented the bounty of America Domestic turkey breeds were selectively bred to yield even more meat.
Progress – Advances in poultry farming and refrigerated transport enabled turkeys to be mass produced and shipped nationwide. This demonstrated America’s agricultural and industrial progress.
Unifying – Turkey farming spread across America. Turkey availability and affordability made it accessible for Thanksgiving feasts across regional and economic divides.
Nostalgia – Turkeys were present in America before colonization. Serving turkey evokes an idealized past of bounteous wild game.
Advertising – As early as the 1870s, poultry promoters linked turkey to Thanksgiving. Turkey producers ran marketing campaigns that further solidified the association.
Tradition – Once established as a common Thanksgiving meal, nostalgia and habit ensured roasted turkey would continue. Americans pass down turkey dinner customs through generations.
By the Numbers: Turkey and Thanksgiving Today
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Over 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving annually.
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In 2022, over 210 million turkeys were raised in the U.S.
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The Broad Breasted White is the most common domestic turkey breed, comprising over 99% of commercial production. It was developed specifically for increased breast meat yields.
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The average turkey eaten on Thanksgiving weighs 16 pounds.
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The famous turkeys pardoned by the President typically weigh around 40 pounds each.
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Minnesota, Arkansas, North Carolina, Missouri and Virginia lead turkey production.
Preparing the Feast Bird
Roasting remains the most popular cooking method, but deep frying turkey has grown in popularity in recent decades. Whole roasted turkey is traditionally accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
Leftover turkey has many uses too. It can be incorporated into soups, sandwiches, casseroles and salads. Turkey carcasses can be used to prepare broth.
A Cherished Tradition
While historic details of the first Thanksgiving are sparse, the turkey has clearly become a ubiquitous symbol of the holiday over the past 150 years. For many Americans, enjoying family and feasting remain at the heart of the Thanksgiving tradition. The abundant turkey continues to be a culinary centerpiece and reflection of the season’s bounty.
Have You Ever Wondered…
- Was turkey on the menu at the first Thanksgiving?
- How did the turkey become the Thanksgiving bird?
- Can turkeys fly?
Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Aaisha from Lewisville, TX. Aaisha Wonders, “Why do people eat turkey on Thanksgiving?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Aaisha!.
The side dishes vary from house to house. You can find mashed potatoes and gravy in some parts of the country and sweet potato pie in other parts. But in most American homes, there is always one guest at the Thanksgiving table, no matter how the holiday is celebrated.
The history of the Thanksgiving turkey is a bit of a mystery. Not even the experts agree on how this bird got to be the star of the Thanksgiving meal, but historians have a few ideas.
We know that the colonists ate beef and poultry when they ate with the Wampanoag Indians because they wrote letters and kept records. This historical meal would later become known as the first Thanksgiving.
No one knows for sure what kinds of birds were served that day, but in a letter written by pilgrim Edward Winslow, he talks about going turkey hunting before the meal.
Another theory attributes the Thanksgiving turkey to the Queen of England. During the 16th century, a fleet of Spanish ships sunk on their way to attack England.
According to legend, Queen Elizabeth received this news while eating dinner. She was so thrilled that she ordered another goose be served. Some historians say that the early settlers roasted a turkey instead of a goose because they were inspired by what the queen did.
The wild turkey is a native bird of North America. So, Benjamin Franklin said that this meant the turkey was a better national bird for the US than the bald eagle.
But not everyone agreed with Franklin. In 1782, the bald eagle was made the national symbol of the United States. The turkey has one day all to itself: Thanksgiving. The bald eagle may be America’s bird 364 days a year.
Heres some interesting turkey trivia that might surprise you:
- Wild turkeys can fly, but domestic turkeys cannot.
- Turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour.
- Its long, loose skin that hangs down on its neck is known as a “wattle.” “.
We’d like to thank:
David, Tommy, and Emma for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!
Keep WONDERing with us!
Did you get it?
If you’re stuffed after Thanksgiving, don’t worry. We’ll get some exercise tomorrow when we head to the mall!
What are you hungry for? We are! Get a friend or family member to help you do the following:
- One of the best things about Thanksgiving turkey is the leftovers. Most families eat leftovers for several days after a big Thanksgiving meal. Try these fun recipes with your turkey leftovers to get the most out of them: Turkey Enchiladas, Turkey Hash, Moo Shu Turkey, and BBQ Turkey Pizza.
- Did you know that every year the President of the United States pardons the Thanksgiving turkey? You can read all about it on the website of The White House Historical Association. Tell a friend or family member what you’ve learned about the fun act.
- People often think about what they are thankful for during Thanksgiving. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for, no matter how small they are. Be sure to share your list with family and friends. Ask them what theyre grateful for as well! .
How Did The Turkey Become The Symbol of Thanksgiving?
FAQ
What is the story behind the turkey for Thanksgiving?
What does the turkey symbolize?
Why do people say Turkey Day instead of Thanksgiving?