When it comes to Thanksgiving traditions, breaking a turkey wishbone might just be the oldest (and most bizarre) custom of all! In fact, it pre-dates the very first Thanksgiving dinner altogether and it gets its roots from ancient Italy! Hows that for a fun Thanksgiving fact?
But youre probably wondering how the tradition of breaking a wishbone made its way to the American dinner table. While theres some debate over whether roast turkey is a traditional Thanksgiving food that could be found at the first feast back in 1662, one thing we know for certain is that if you break the wishbone and win, your wishes will be granted (or so they say).
So where did this strange tradition come from and what’s the trick to winning? Well, breaking the turkey wishbone has quite the backstory, and we dug deep to bring you a little history lesson on one of Americas favorite post-dinner Thanksgiving activities. Plus, youll also learn how to find and remove the wishbone, along with strategies you can use to best your opponent.
The Myth and Tradition Behind the Turkey’s WishboneThe wishbone is arguably one of the most iconic symbols of Thanksgiving, This peculiar forked bone has been associated with magic and fortune for thousands of years across various cultures But how did this quirky tradition come about? Let’s unravel the myth and meaning behind the turkey’s wishbone
What is the Wishbone?The wishbone also known as a furcula, is located near the turkey’s breast. It is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles or collar bones. Its shape resembles a Y or V with a segment missing.
Origins of the TraditionThe practice of breaking wishbones dates back to the Etruscans in ancient Italy. As early as 700 BC, they would remove the furcula from chickens and let it dry in the sun. The Etruscans believed bird bones held mystical powers of divination. They would gently stroke dried wishbones while making wishes, hoping for good fortune.
The Romans adopted this ritual but there weren’t enough chicken wishbones to go around. So they started breaking the bones in half to share the luck. The tradition spread across Europe and to Colonial America. Since wild turkeys were abundant, turkey wishbones became the bone of choice for making wishes.
How the Ritual Works
To wish upon a turkey wishbone, you must first let it dry and become brittle – usually 3 to 5 days after cooking the turkey. Two people each take one end of the bone, hooking their pinky fingers around it. While silently making a wish, they pull until the bone snaps. Whoever ends up with the larger portion will have their wish come true.
Some more elaborate versions involve balancing the bone on your nose before pulling or hiding the pieces and guessing which hand holds the bigger half. One popular belief is that carrying a wishbone brings good luck, but only if you break it first.
Cultural Variations
Similar wishbone traditions exist worldwide:
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In China, people break open chicken bones during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival while making wishes.
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Some Hispanic families use goat neck vertebrae on Christmas Eve.
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Scandinavians break dried cod heads on Christmas for luck.
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Turkish, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultures break the bones of chickens or other animals during holidays like Eid.
This shows how the ritual resonates across cultures. It reveals our common desire to exert some control over the unpredictability of fate.
Meaning Behind the Tradition
Why has this delicate bone been imbued with such symbolism and tradition for millennia? Some reasons include:
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Ancient beliefs that birds were oracles that could divine the future.
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The V shape representing human ideals like imagination, cooperation, and hope.
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The experience of breaking the bone together connects people through shared joy and companionship.
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The wishbone embodies optimism and the universal desire for good fortune.
Its meaning goes deeper than just gaining the bigger piece. The experience of making wishes together and enjoying a feast is what really matters. It reminds us to be grateful for family bonds and the little moments in life.
Modern Significance
While its power may not truly be magical, the tradition still holds significance:
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It unites families through a beloved ritual that spans generations.
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Making wishes together fosters togetherness and builds memories.
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It represents the optimism in our hearts and collective hopes.
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Breaking the wishbone inspires reflection on what we value most.
So when you gather for your next holiday feast, take a moment to make a wish over the turkey’s furcula. Appreciate the bonds around your table and the meaning behind this time-honored tradition. The lucky part of the turkey may not physically grant fortune, but the experience and nostalgia it evokes are what truly matter.
What are the rules for breaking a wishbone?
First, lets discuss why the furcula, or the wishbone, even exists. Its essentially a birds collarbones that are attached to the wings on either side. Its slightly more elastic than other bones in the body, which helps the bird fly properly. Heres how to carve a turkey and find the wishbone:
Lay the raw turkey down breast side up with the legs facing away and the neck cavity facing towards you.
With your index finger, feel on the inside of the neck cavity to locate the wishbone. It should feel like a V-shape bone.
Use a paring knife to cut the muscle along the edges of the V shape. Insert your finger tip to slightly enlarge the slit making sure youre not ripping any of the muscle.
Once both sides of the bone are detached from the muscle, wiggle slightly to loosen up the bone. Then pull gently from the center of the V shape and remove the bone.
What is the tradition of breaking a turkey wishbone?
Breaking a turkey wishbone is a tradition thats been around for thousands of years. Its believed to have started with the ancient Etruscans in Italy who believed that chickens had magical powers. They would save the furcula of chickens—a V-shaped bone near the neck—to dry out in the sun and would take turns stroking the bone and making wishes, hence the name “wishbone.” They later switched from stroking the bone to breaking it and the tradition has carried on ever since!
In what can only be called an anthropological game of telephone, this custom was passed on to the Romans when they crossed paths with the Etruscans about 200 years later. The Romans then brought the tradition to England, and it eventually crossed the Atlantic with the pilgrims on the Mayflower, where it became the Thanksgiving game we know today!
Wishbones – Lucky Charms Explained
FAQ
What is the lucky symbol in turkey?
Most people familiar with Turkey will have seen the Nazar Boncuğu (evil eye beads). These beautiful bright blue and white glass beads can be found all over Turkey, and it’s commonly believed they protect us from illness, fend off evil glares, and bring us good luck.
What is the turkey bone for good luck?
Breaking a turkey wishbone is a tradition that’s been around for thousands of years. It’s believed to have started with the ancient Etruscans in Italy who believed that chickens had magical powers.
What part of a turkey is broken for good luck?
The part of the turkey that is saved and snapped as a superstitious good luck custom is called the wishbone, also known scientifically as the furcula. This bone is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles and is found in many birds, including turkeys and chickens.
What is the Lucky eye from turkey?
The popular meaning of the Turkish eye is that it possesses protective properties. It is said to protect against the evil eye, envy and bad luck, and to bring good luck and happiness to its owner. In Turkish culture it is believed that its presence in the home or on clothing can bring good fortune and protection.
What ritual from the Turkey brings good luck?
The tradition of breaking the wishbone of a turkey is a long-standing custom that is believed to bring good luck. It is a popular practice in many Western cultures, especially during the holiday season.
Can you break a turkey wishbone for good luck?
As Thanksgiving approaches, families across America eagerly anticipate the time-honored tradition of breaking the turkey wishbone for good luck. But to partake in this ritual, you must first locate the elusive wishbone hidden within the bird.
Why does a Turkey have a wishbone?
The tradition of breaking the wishbone of a turkey is a long-standing custom that is believed to bring good luck. It is a popular practice in many Western cultures, especially during the holiday season. The wishbone, also known as the furcula, is a V-shaped bone located between the neck and breast of the turkey.
Why do people break a turkey wishbone on Thanksgiving?
People have been eating poultry for a very long time, and there’s no definitive origin story of the Thanksgiving tradition of breaking a turkey wishbone. But the one that has gained the most traction over the years involves the people of an ancient Italian civilization called Etruria, and dates back roughly 2,400 years.
Why do Romans eat turkey bones?
When the Romans adopted the practice, chickens and wishbones were scarce. So they began breaking the bones in half to share the luck. Later the tradition spread to Britain and then to America with the Plymouth settlers. As wild turkeys were abundant in the new world turkey wishbones became the bones of choice for making wishes.
How do you find a turkey wishbone before cooking?
According to Nolan, it’s best to locate the turkey wishbone before cooking the bird. Here’s how he advises searching for the wishbone: Set the raw turkey on a freshly cleaned surface—a cutting board is ideal. Make sure to have the breast side up, with the legs at the bottom and pointing at you.