Every year, millions of families across the United States gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, one of the most important holidays in American culture. Beyond the spirit of gratitude, the true star of the celebration is the food — especially the famous roasted turkey served at almost every table.
Below, discover what Thanksgiving is, where it comes from, and surprising facts about the traditions surrounding this holiday.
The Origin of Thanksgiving: How the Tradition Began
The modern Thanksgiving holiday traces its roots to 1621, when English settlers known as the Pilgrims held a three-day feast in Plymouth (now Massachusetts) to celebrate their first successful harvest in the New World. Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe also participated, contributing food and agricultural knowledge that helped the settlers survive.
However, Thanksgiving did not become an official U.S. holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “thanksgiving and praise.” His decision was heavily influenced by writer and magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned for 17 years to make the holiday official — she also wrote the children’s song “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Why Turkey Became the Star of Thanksgiving
Turkey is so strongly linked to Thanksgiving that more than 45 million turkeys are eaten every year in the U.S.
But the connection between turkey and Thanksgiving has curious origins:
- In 1953, food company Swanson miscalculated demand and ended up with 26 extra tons of turkey. That mistake inspired the creation of the first frozen “TV dinners.”
- Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once said the turkey was “a more respectable bird” than the bald eagle. Although he didn’t succeed in making it the national bird, the turkey became a cultural icon.
Even the sound turkeys make has a name: gobble, or graznido in Spanish.
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving Across the United States
Black Friday and the busiest day for plumbers
Black Friday is known for massive sales — but for plumbers, it’s the busiest day of the year.
Companies like Roto-Rooter say drains and pipes get overwhelmed after Thanksgiving dinner.
Places named Turkey
There are several towns in the U.S. with the name Turkey:
- Turkey Creek, Louisiana
- Turkey, Texas
- Turkey, North Carolina
- Turkey Creek, Arizona
And in Pennsylvania: Upper Turkeyfoot and Lower Turkeyfoot.
Did Thanksgiving almost choose a different national bird?
As Franklin argued, the turkey could have replaced the eagle as the U.S. national symbol.
How Canadians Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is not exclusive to the United States.
Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but it takes place earlier — every second Monday of October, marking the end of the Canadian harvest season.
Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?
Although many people feel drowsy after a Thanksgiving meal, the turkey is not the culprit.
Turkey contains less tryptophan than other meats. The real reason people get sleepy is overeating — your digestive system needs extra energy to process large amounts of food.
Why Is It Called “Turkey”? The Curious Name Origin
The English word “turkey” for the bird has nothing to do with the country of Turkey — except through trade routes.
Centuries ago, merchants from the Ottoman Empire transported similar birds to Europe, leading English speakers to associate the animals with “Turkish traders.”
Thanksgiving in Popular Culture and Politics
Each year, the U.S. president performs a traditional turkey pardoning, sparing two birds from being eaten. In 2025, the pardoned turkeys were named Gobble and Waddle.
Thanksgiving also influences weather patterns, travel, and major media events, making it one of the busiest holiday weeks in the U.S.
Summary
Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, harvest traditions, and American history. It has evolved into a celebration that blends family gatherings, iconic meals, cultural rituals, and fascinating historical anecdotes.
Source: History.com
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