Come Thanksgiving when the roasted turkey is brought out to the table, the head of the household traditionally takes on the ceremonial task of carving it up. But what does this time-honored ritual actually represent? As it turns out, carving the turkey holds deeper symbolic significance related to abundance, community sacrifice and more.
Historical Origins of Carving the Turkey
While turkeys were sometimes eaten by Native Americans turkey as the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner has its roots in Victorian England. As Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the mid-1800s turkey grew in popularity as the protein of choice since many families could not afford other meats.
The tradition of the male head of household carving up the turkey emerged during this Victorian era where gender roles were strictly defined. Carving was seen as a masculine duty of providing for the family. This tradition has continued to modern day.
Symbol of Abundance and Unity
On a surface level, the turkey symbolizes the abundance of the harvest. Its large size as the focal point of the meal represents prosperity and there being enough food to go around.
But more importantly, the communal act of passing around plates of turkey carved up by the host signifies unity. Togetherness is reinforced as each family member partakes of the meal thanks to the serving efforts of the carver.
Sharing in the bounty of the turkey reflects gratitude for abundance. Just as the Pilgrims would have celebrated the harvest together, so do we.
An Act of Service and Care
Carving the turkey is a responsibility and act of service to provide for others before yourself. The carver patiently makes sure the turkey is portioned properly so each person gets some white and dark meat.
It takes some skill and experience to neatly carve up a turkey while making sure everyone gets a good serving. The carver’s ability to provide for the whole family demonstrates care for their needs.
Leadership and Responsibility
Related to service, the carving role confers leadership. Typically reserved for the father or patriarch, carving the turkey demonstrates taking charge of provision for the group.
There is also an element of orderliness represented by the careful, orderly slicing. As with leadership, skill and care must be taken to handle the task appropriately. Doing so earns respect.
A Ritual Performance
Beyond just preparing the meat, the ceremonial nature of carving makes it almost performative. The audience of family members watches attentively as the patriarch slowly and methodically slices each piece in turn.
It takes on a spiritual character, not unlike communion bread being sliced and passed around. The orderly ritual builds anticipation for the meal.
A Metaphor for Addressing Difficult Tasks
Outside just Thanksgiving dinner, “carving the turkey” has become a common saying for taking on an unpleasant or complex task that requires skill and delicacy. It refers to tackling a tough issue and bearing that burden for the benefit of others.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Food rituals including ceremonial carving and sharing of meals hold deep cultural and historical meaning across many societies. Carving connects Thanksgiving to humanity’s ancient history of feasting together.
Whether it represents sacrifice, celebration of harvest, honor for deceased ancestors, or sealing agreements, sharing lovingly carved food is universally sacred.
Carving in Art and Storytelling
The motif of carving and sharing food appears widely in art and literature. From Bible stories about the Last Supper, to paintings of bountiful feasts and tables throughout history, to modern pop culture like Norman Rockwell’s Freedom from Want featuring a carved turkey, we connect to these stories through the depiction of meaningful meals.
An Enduring Ritual
Carving and sharing a meal, especially one as symbolic as the Thanksgiving turkey, represents community, abundance, service and connection to something larger than ourselves. Though fashions and families may change, this ritual endures as a powerful taproot to our past and what matters most – the love and care we show others through something as simple as mindfully preparing a meal.
Essential Tools for Carving a Turkey
A successful carve depends on two key items: the carving board and the carving knife. Thankfully, the lengthy time it takes to roast a turkey provides plenty of time to prepare.
First, the cutting board. Be sure the turkey fits on the board. I like a really big board. It has to be big enough to hold both the turkey carcass and all the different pieces that are carved from it. The cutting board, like a lifeboat, fills up fast.
The cutting board might move, which is every carver’s worst nightmare, depending on the type of cutting board you use and the surface you put it on. When you’re cutting into a thick turkey breast, nothing is worse than having the cutting board slide down the counter like it’s trying to get away.
Put some wet paper towels under the cutting board if it moves around. You can do this by running you hand under the kitchen faucet. The thin pieces of paper towel will provide enough friction to keep the board from moving.
Important as the cutting board is, the true workhorse is the carving knife. When selecting a knife consider these two points:
- The knife is sharp.
- The knife is at least 10 inches long.
A long, sharp knife means easy slicing and less work. A sharp knife cuts through crisp skin easily and keeps it whole. A long knife eliminates the need to repeatedly saw, which not only makes carving easier but also makes slices that look good.
The key is to let the knife do the work, which is easy to do by pressing down on the whole length of the knife all the time. As you start at the heel, push down and pull the knife toward you. Don’t stop until the tip goes through the meat.
Also, in case you were wondering, I think a bread knife with serrations would work, but I have never tried it for real. For tomato skins that don’t tear, I know this works, so I think it would also work here!
Even if your knife runs a little short, no matter what, plan ahead and sharpen it. It’s important your Thanksgiving platter not only tastes good but look good too.
There is another knife to consider for the Thanksgiving turkey. It’s the one that plugs in, the electric knife. It might look like you’re cutting down a rose bush with a chainsaw, but it gives my 82-year-old dad the confidence and strength to cut up his Thanksgiving turkey. There is no harm in that.
How to Carve a Turkey | The New York Times
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