Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s something that’s celebrated widely across the country. Not just in the United States, it’s celebrated in Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia. Just like many, began as a day of giving thanks for the harvest blessing.
As there are so many people who are curious to know more about this beloved festival, we have decided to make things easy for them. Here is a curated list of five lesser-known facts about thanksgiving. You might have heard about some of them.
Read More: Why People Are Cancelling Thanksgiving Day?
Top 5 Facts About Thanksgiving
5) First Thanksgiving Took Place In 1621
While there are several accounts as to when the first one was celebrated, the most well-known version describes the inaugural one as a three-day pilgrim celebration. It took place in 1621 at the Plymouth Colony (now Plymouth, Massachusetts).
4) Every Year, The US President Pardons A Turkey
Since 1947, the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation takes place at The White House a few days before the holiday. During this ceremony, the current US President is offered a live turkey. They do not eat the turkey, but instead, “pardons” the bird and set them free.
3) It’s The Busiest Travel Day Of The Year
According to The American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 42 million Americans travel 50 miles or more by car during the holiday weekend. Another 4 million people fly to visit their loved ones for the holiday on the special occasion.
2) Thanksgiving Dinner Hasn’t Changed Much Since 1621
The food people ate at the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621 has remained the same in modern times. Their meal consisted of turkey, venison, waterfowl, lobster, fish, clams, pumpkin, squash, berries, and fruit. Apart from the seafood, most of these foods are still part of today’s dinners.
1) Americans Eat More Than 280 Million Turkeys
It is assumed that Turkey was the most easily available bird to eat around 1621. That tradition has taken a mammoth shape now. According to the National Turkey Federation, over 95% of Americans eat turkey on the holiday and nearly 280 million turkeys are sold in the weeks leading up to the holiday.
Read More: What Is The History Of Thanksgiving? Why Do We Celebrate It?
