Tom Blank, the prominent historian from Weird History Food, delves into the intriguing tale of how the turkey became the quintessential centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner.
Surprisingly, it is discovered that this beloved bird was not even present during the original feast.
As the story goes, the Wampanoag tribe, with their generosity and abundance, brought forth five whole deers to grace the occasion. In contrast, The Pilgrims contributed some form of fowl to the table.
While this extravagant meal has attained legendary status over time, it is fascinating to learn that it was not initially regarded as particularly special.
The first Thanksgiving, which took place shortly after the bountiful harvest of 1621, was likely a boisterous affair. The settlers were joined by approximately 90 members of the tribe, who kindly presented five deer as a gift to the governor of the colony.
Ironically, the original Thanksgiving held little significance for the Pilgrims. Back in Europe, harvest feasts were a common occurrence, and days of Thanksgiving were regularly observed in England.
It wasn’t until the perseverance of writer Sarah Josepha Hail that Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States.
Hailing from New England, where the holiday was celebrated fervently, Hail embarked on a passionate campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a unifying tradition for the entire nation.
She firmly believed that by dedicating one special day to Thanksgiving, a sense of national identity could be fostered, thereby ensuring the unity of the country.
Hail dedicated her efforts to actively advocate for the recognition and celebration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
Legend has it that she even penned a heartfelt letter to President Abraham Lincoln, urging him to grant her request. Finally, in 1863, President Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Although it was a little too late to achieve the desired national unity, Sarah Josepha Hail was forever immortalized as the “mother of Thanksgiving.”
From that point on, the turkey solidified its place as a beloved staple in American households, particularly during Thanksgiving.
The pivotal moment came when President Ulysses S. Grant himself chose turkey to be the star of his Thanksgiving meal. This decision set a precedent that would last for generations to come.
Following Grant’s lead, US presidents began receiving gifted turkeys each Thanksgiving, eventually transforming it into a grand ceremony.
By the mid-1900s, the tradition had evolved to a point where the president would graciously accept the turkey, which would then make its way to the White House kitchens for a sumptuous feast that very day.
However, in more recent times, a new tradition has emerged – the pardoning of the turkey. This heartwarming act now takes place just before Thanksgiving, symbolizing compassion and mercy.
Interestingly, there is a lively debate surrounding which president was truly the first to pardon a turkey. However, it was during the tenure of President Ronald Reagan in 1982 (or possibly President George H.W. Bush in 1989) that the practice gained widespread recognition.
Reagan, known for his love of animals, decided to send his presidential turkey to live out the remainder of its days on a farm. Although Reagan continued this gesture throughout his presidency, it remained a casual send-off.
It wasn’t until 1989, under the presidency of George H.W. Bush, that the first official presidential pardon was granted to a turkey. Since then, every president has partaken in this heartwarming tradition, ensuring that at least one lucky turkey is spared from the Thanksgiving feast every year.
As Thanksgiving approaches each year, the fascinating origins and traditions surrounding this cherished holiday remind us of the importance of unity, gratitude, and compassion.
The turkey, once a humble guest at the Pilgrims’ table, has evolved into an iconic symbol of Thanksgiving, representing abundance, warmth, and the enduring spirit of togetherness.
