Thanksgiving Origins
Thanksgiving traces back to 1621, when Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. This event is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.
A National Holiday
It wasn't until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.
Menu Evolution
The first Thanksgiving didn't feature pies or cakes. Sugar was scarce, so meals included more savory dishes, and the now-traditional turkey might not have been on the menu.
Thanksgiving Football Tradition
Football on Thanksgiving is a tradition dating back to 1876, shortly after the game was invented. The first NFL games were played on Thanksgiving in 1920.
Macy's Parade History
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924. Initially, it featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo but switched to giant balloons in 1927 due to the animals frightening children.
A Presidential Pardon
Since 1989, the tradition of pardoning a turkey has been an annual ceremony at the White House prior to Thanksgiving. The pardoned turkey lives out its days on a farm.
International Variants
Other countries have similar celebrations. Canada's Thanksgiving is in October, and festivals like Germany’s Erntedankfest and Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day share common themes of gratitude and harvest.Turkey's Wild Origin
Wild turkeys can run up to 20 mph and fly short distances at speeds up to 55 mph, surprising given their size and domesticated counterparts.
Who shared the first feast?
Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag
Colonists and Spanish settlers
Pilgrims and Native Americans
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