Thanksgiving Traditions
What comes to mind when you think about Thanksgiving meals?
Turkey? Ham?
Cranberries? Stuffing?
Pumpkin Pie? Apple Pie?
Fun Fact: 90% of meals on Thanksgiving include turkey as the main entree
You might be surprised the hear that the first Thanksgiving meal did not include any of these items. The European Settlers and Native Americans most likely feasted on Lobster, Deer, and Fish. According to historians, the feast lasted nearly three days!
Roast turkey and pumpkin pie were not staple Thanksgiving dishes until 1827 when Sarah Hale - famous writer - published recipes in a New York magazine to include pumpkin pie, stuffing and turkey in the Thanksgiving meal.
Although Thanksgiving celebrations dated back to the first European settlements in America, it was not until the 1860s that Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November to be a national holiday.
The First Turkey Pardon
In 1989 George H.W Bush was the first President of the United States to pardon a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. After that, year after year, the current President will pardon a turkey to go live out its days on a farm.
Fun Fact: The gift of a turkey is a symbol of "good cheer."
What are your Thanksgiving traditions?
What are you thankful for this year?
Click the Link Below to Watch a Fun Video about Thanksgiving!
