The turkey has become the quintessential main course of the Thanksgiving meal, to the point that the bird and the holiday are practically synonymous in American culture But why and how did this large, flightless fowl become so ingrained as a symbol of Thanksgiving?
A Brief History of the Turkey in America
Wild turkeys are indigenous to North America and were abundant in the Eastern woodlands when English colonists arrived in the 1600s. Turkeys were familiar to the colonists and immediately recognized as a desirable source of food and feathers. The early settlers hunted wild turkeys, and it did not take long for colonists to begin domesticating the birds as well.
By the mid-18th century, turkeys were being commercially raised on farms in the American colonies. They were part of the tradition of harvest festivals common in England and Europe. These community celebrations marked the autumn harvest and gave thanks for a bountiful growing season. Such festivals were brought to the New World by the colonists and evolved into what we now know as Thanksgiving.
How the Turkey Became Linked to Thanksgiving
There is no proof that the fowl served at the legendary 1621 harvest celebration between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans was turkey, despite many modern depictions of the event. However, we do know that wild turkeys were abundant in the area and hunted by the colonists.
References to roasted turkey being part of harvest celebrations and thanksgiving feasts began appearing in American writings in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Around this time, turkey farms were becoming more common, making turkeys readily available to many households.
In the mid-1800s, magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Her descriptions of the ideal Thanksgiving meal prominently featured turkey. When Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official national holiday in 1863, the tradition of turkey as the centerpiece of the feast became cemented in the minds of Americans.
Why the Turkey Was Ideal for Thanksgiving
So why was turkey so suitable for Thanksgiving? Here are some of the main reasons:
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Size: Turkeys are large birds that can feed a crowd. A family Thanksgiving dinner often includes extended family and guests.
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Availability: With the rise of commercial turkey farms, the birds were easy to obtain for families in much of America by the 19th century.
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Affordability: Compared to beef, lamb, and other meats, turkey was economical for the average family’s budget.
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Versatility: Turkeys can be prepared in various ways – roasted, deep fried, grilled, etc. Their mild flavor complements traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.
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Native status: As an indigenous American bird, turkey was a fitting symbol of bounty and the land’s provision.
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Nationalism: Turkey was seen as a uniquely American bird, unlike older European domesticated fowl like chickens, ducks, and geese.
The Modern Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition
Today, turkey remains the nearly ubiquitous main course on Thanksgiving tables across America. The broad-breasted turkey varieties developed for mass production now account for 99 percent of the 244 million turkeys eaten by Americans each Thanksgiving. Though no longer hunted or herded to market, the domesticated turkey retains its powerful symbolism of harvest, abundance, and Thanksgiving tradition.
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?