10 Great Facts about Thanksgiving

Image: Thanksgiving Dinner. By Ms Jones. Wikimedia Commons

10 Great Facts about Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated each year in November. It is a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the past year and a time to gather with family and friends to enjoy a traditional feast.

This holiday has a long and colorful history, and there are a few facts about Thanksgiving that many people may not know. From its origins in the 16th century to its modern-day traditions, here are 10 great facts about Thanksgiving that you may not be aware of.

1. It is not only celebrated in the United States but also in Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia

Canadian Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October and on other days in other countries throughout the year. The celebration includes sharing meals with family and friends, often with traditional Canadian dishes such as roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It is also a time to reflect on the year and be thankful for all that we have.

2. The tradition of Thanksgiving began in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Image: The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth, 1914, Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth, Massachusetts. By
Jennie Augusta Brownscombe . Wikimedia Commons

The tradition of Thanksgiving began in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts when the colonists there shared a meal with Massasoit Wampanoag Indians.

The feast was in celebration of their first successful year of harvest, and the colonists and Indians shared a meal of deer, wild fowl, and a variety of fish.

The tradition of gathering around a table to share a meal in celebration of a successful harvest has been carried on ever since.

3. In America, the National Football League (NFL) has held Thanksgiving Day games since 1920

The first NFL game on Thanksgiving Day was hosted between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Bears in 1920. Since then, the NFL has hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year, except a few years in the 1930s.

The NFL Thanksgiving Day games have become a tradition for football fans, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys hosting their games every year.

The Thanksgiving Day games are often some of the most highly anticipated games of the season, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the best teams in the NFL battle it out on the field.

4. The first Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by George Washington in 1789

The First Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 was issued by President George Washington on October 3, 1789. This proclamation thanked God for His blessings of independence and liberty and called for a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.

Washington declared one Thursday in November of that year to be a day of thanksgiving and gave Americans a chance to show their thanks for the new nation and its Constitution.

He urged all citizens to express their gratitude to the Almighty for the many blessings they had received and to come together in prayer and humble supplication. The proclamation was a landmark in American history, establishing our nation’s first Thanksgiving holiday.

5. Millions of turkeys are served during Thanksgiving each year

Image: By PublicDomainPictures. Pixabay

Each year, millions of turkeys are served at Thanksgiving. According to the National Turkey Federation, more than 46 million turkeys are consumed each year during Thanksgiving alone.

That’s about one turkey for every 15 Americans. Approximately 88 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s no wonder that so many turkeys get served up each year.

6. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is a popular Thanksgiving tradition

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an iconic event held each year in New York City. It has been held since 1924 and is one of the most beloved events of the holiday season.

Every year, colorful floats, balloons, and performers march down the streets of Manhattan to celebrate the holiday season. The parade is widely televised, and it is watched by millions of people all over the world. It is a festive way to kick off the holiday season, and it is a beloved tradition for many.

7. The average American consumes over 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving

The typical American consumes an average of 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. This is about double the recommended daily caloric intake for an adult. Many Americans tend to consume large amounts of food on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to the large meal, many people also indulge in snacks throughout the day, such as chips, dips, and various desserts. All of these factors contribute to the high caloric count of Thanksgiving Day.

8. Iconic thanks giving day deserts

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a few classic desserts. Pies are a must-have at Thanksgiving, with apple, pumpkin, and pecan being among the most popular. Apple crisp, pumpkin bread, and sweet potato casserole are other favorite desserts you can expect to see on the table.

For an extra special treat, why not try making a delicious cranberry trifle? Of course, no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a good old-fashioned piece of pumpkin pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

9. The most traditional thanksgiving food is turkey

Image: By ArbazKhanYousufzai. Pixabay

Thanksgiving is usually celebrated with a traditional feast, which usually includes turkey as the main dish. Other traditional Thanksgiving side dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert, and other traditional desserts include apple pie and pecan pie. Some Thanksgiving dishes vary from region to region, but the traditional feast is usually the same.

10. The first-ever Thanksgiving feast lasted three days

The first-ever Thanksgiving feast was held in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was attended by the English colonists, also known as Pilgrims, and the Wampanoag Indians. The feast was a celebration of the successful harvest of the colonists and lasted a full three days.

During the feast, the Pilgrims feasted on native foods such as wild turkey, deer, fish, corn, peas, and squash. They also enjoyed some of the English foods brought by the colonists, such as pork, beef, and dried fruits.

The feast was a time of great joy, fellowship, and gratitude for the blessings of the harvest. It was the beginning of a Thanksgiving tradition that has been celebrated in the United States ever since.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that has been celebrated in the United States since the 1600s. It is a day of giving thanks for all of our blessings, a day of reflection, and a day of getting together with family and friends. The food, the memories, and the joy of Thanksgiving Day will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

For more facts on celebrated holidays from around the world, visit the discover walks blog.