Side dishes for Thanksgiving can vary widely from one household to another. Some regions serve mashed potatoes and gravy, while others feature sweet potato pie. However, one consistent guest at Thanksgiving tables across America and Canada is the turkey!
The Origins of Turkey Dinner
The origins of this Thanksgiving tradition are somewhat unclear. Although it’s not definitively known why the bird became the focal point of the celebration, historians have proposed several theories.
Records from early settlers indicate that during the colonists’ meal with the Wampanoag Indians, beef and various fowl were served. This meal is often regarded as the first Thanksgiving. While it’s unclear which birds were actually on the menu, a letter from pilgrim, Edward Winslow, mentions a turkey hunting excursion prior to the feast.
The custom of having turkey on Thanksgiving may have its roots in the early 1600s, especially during the Pilgrims’ harvest celebration in 1621. While it’s uncertain if turkey was actually part of that initial feast, it was widely available in New England.
Why Turkey?
Several reasons contributed to its rise as the star of Thanksgiving dinners:
- Local Availability: Turkeys were abundant in North America, making them an easy choice for early settlers.
- Feeding a Crowd: One big bird can feed many people, which is perfect for large family gatherings.
- Meaning: Turkey symbolizes plenty and thankfulness, aligning well with the holiday’s themes.
So, Why Turkey?
Another theory connects the Thanksgiving turkey to Queen Elizabeth I. In the 16th century, when a fleet of Spanish ships sank en route to attack England, the queen was said to have been so pleased that she ordered an extra goose for dinner. Some historians suggest that the early settlers may have been inspired by this event and chose to roast a turkey instead of a goose.
By the 1800s, Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent magazine editor, advocated for turkey as the main dish in her writings, helping to establish this tradition. Today, turkey remains a central feature of Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States and Canada.
As a native bird of North America, wild turkeys caught the eye of Benjamin Franklin, who argued they would make a better national symbol than the bald eagle. However, the bald eagle ultimately became the national emblem in 1782. While the eagle represents America for most of the year, the turkey has its special day—Thanksgiving.
Fun Facts about Turkeys
Here are some fun facts about turkeys that you might find surprising:
- The wild birds can actually fly, while domestic ones cannot.
- Turkeys can run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
- The loose skin that hangs from a turkey’s neck is known as a “wattle.”
- You can tell if a turkey is male or female by its droppings. Male droppings are shaped like the letter J, while females’ are spiral-shaped.
- While they usually stay on the ground, wild turkeys roost in trees at night to protect themselves from predators, flying down at dawn.
- Male turkeys can change the colour of their heads based on their emotions, ranging from red to blue to white.
- Over 2 million turkeys die each year in Canada. Canadians buy 2.7 million whole turkeys for Thanksgiving every year!
Have a delicious turkey dinner!!