Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and football. Here are 10 surprising facts you can share at your next holiday gathering:
- The First Thanksgiving Menu: Forget pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes – early settlers feasted on venison, shellfish, and squash.
- Presidential Influence: Abraham Lincoln set Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, but FDR moved it to the fourth Thursday to extend the shopping season.
- Macy’s Parade Origins: What started as a small local event is now a national Thanksgiving tradition.
- Turkey Pardoning: This quirky presidential tradition adds humor to the holiday.
- Football Connection: Thanksgiving games helped popularize football in the U.S.
- Black Friday’s Name: It originated in 1960s Philadelphia due to post-Thanksgiving shopping chaos.
- Global Thanksgiving Traditions: Canada, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands celebrate similar holidays in unique ways.
- Cranberries’ Role: Native Americans used cranberries for food, dye, and medicine – now a Thanksgiving staple.
- TV Dinners’ Origin: Leftover Thanksgiving turkey inspired the frozen meal industry.
- "Jingle Bells" Misconception: Originally written for Thanksgiving, it became a Christmas classic.
Thanksgiving has evolved from its humble beginnings into a holiday rich with history, traditions, and fun facts. Use these tidbits to spark conversations or trivia games at your next celebration!
Thanksgiving Fun Facts You Didn’t Know
1. What Was Really Served at the First Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving feast of 1621 looked nothing like the holiday meals we know today.
Edward Winslow’s account from that year describes a three-day celebration with wild fowl, venison provided by the Wampanoag, and fish. While wild turkey might have been on the menu, it wasn’t the star of the show like it is now.
Surprisingly, many modern staples were missing:
- No Potatoes: These hadn’t made their way to North America yet.
- No Cranberry Sauce: Native cranberries were available, but there was no sugar to make a sauce.
- No Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkins were around, but the colonists didn’t have butter or flour for pie crusts.
Instead, they dined on:
- Squash and corn, which were native to the region
- Shellfish and fish from nearby waters
- Wild fruits and nuts gathered locally
- Waterfowl like ducks and geese
- Meat cooked over open flames
Cooking methods included fire pits, spits, and boiling pots, creating a rustic and resourceful feast. This glimpse into the past highlights how much Thanksgiving traditions have evolved over time.
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2. How Presidents Shaped Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has come a long way since its early colonial roots, with U.S. presidents playing a key role in shaping the holiday we know today. Their decisions have influenced not just the timing but also the way Americans celebrate.
One major shift came in 1939 when Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to move Thanksgiving. Before this, Abraham Lincoln had officially set the holiday for the last Thursday of November back in 1863. However, in 1939, November had five Thursdays, which meant Thanksgiving would fall on November 30. Concerned about the short Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression, Roosevelt moved the holiday to the second-to-last Thursday. This controversial move earned the nickname "Franksgiving."
The decision caused a national divide, with some states sticking to the original date and others adopting Roosevelt’s change. It wasn’t until 1941 that Congress stepped in to settle the matter. Roosevelt signed a law officially designating Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November, creating the tradition we follow today.
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3. How the Macy’s Parade Started
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began as a small, local event and has grown into a cherished national tradition, bringing joy and excitement to millions each year. It stands as a vibrant symbol of Thanksgiving celebrations.
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4. The Story Behind Turkey Pardoning
The presidential turkey pardoning ceremony has become a fun and quirky part of Thanksgiving. Though its exact origins are still debated, the event involves sparing a turkey from becoming dinner, adding a playful twist to the holiday’s traditions. It’s a lighthearted way to celebrate Thanksgiving’s mix of history and humor.
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5. Why Football Became Part of Thanksgiving
Football has been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades. Early games on Thanksgiving helped popularize the sport, as families came together to watch. Over time, professional football embraced the holiday, scheduling special games to entertain fans. Today, the NFL‘s Thanksgiving matchups attract millions, combining the thrill of sports with the spirit of the holiday.
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6. How Black Friday Got Its Name
The term "Black Friday" has an interesting origin linked to Thanksgiving shopping traditions. While many believe it refers to retailers moving from "red" (losses) to "black" (profits) in their accounting, the story actually begins in Philadelphia during the early 1960s.
In 1961, Philadelphia police started calling the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy "Black Friday" because of the massive crowds flooding the city. What began as a local term soon evolved into a broader narrative for retailers.
By the mid-1970s, the term had spread across the country, with stores embracing it to highlight the transition from losses to profits. Today, Black Friday is known as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, with stores slashing prices to draw in eager shoppers.
Some key moments in Black Friday’s history include:
- Macy’s adoption of the term in 1981
- The introduction of Cyber Monday in 2005
- Record-setting online sales in recent years
These shopping traditions have become an integral part of Thanksgiving’s modern history. Curious to learn more about Thanksgiving traditions or test your knowledge? Check out our Weekly Trivia Subscription Service for fun quizzes, or explore our Thanksgiving Trivia Theme Packs for even more seasonal insights.
7. Other Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving isn’t just an American tradition – several countries have their own harvest celebrations with unique customs.
In Canada, Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday of October. This tradition began in 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to express gratitude for surviving his expedition in search of the Northwest Passage.
Germany celebrates Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival) in early October. This event is deeply rooted in religious practices, featuring church services and lively harvest parades. One standout tradition is the Erntekrone (harvest crown), a decorative crown made from grains, flowers, and fruit that’s carried in processions.
Japan observes Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日) on November 23. This modern holiday evolved from the ancient rice harvest festival Niinamesai. Today, it highlights labor rights and recognizes the contributions of workers to society.
In the Netherlands, a Thanksgiving tradition with historical ties to the U.S. takes place in Leiden. On the morning of the U.S. Thanksgiving, a non-denominational service is held at Pieterskerk (St. Peter’s Church), where the Pilgrims worshipped before their 1620 voyage to America.
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Here’s a quick look at how Thanksgiving is celebrated in different countries:
| Country | Date | Main Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Fourth Thursday of November | Turkey dinner, football games, parades |
| Canada | Second Monday of October | Family gatherings, harvest foods, outdoor activities |
| Germany | First Sunday of October | Church services, harvest crowns, rural festivals |
| Japan | November 23 | Labor rights celebrations, community service |
| Netherlands | U.S. Thanksgiving morning | Commemorative church service in Leiden |
8. Why Cranberries Matter at Thanksgiving
Cranberries have long been a part of Thanksgiving celebrations. Native Americans valued these tart berries for their nutritional benefits, use as natural dyes, and medicinal purposes – traditions that later influenced colonial cooking.
Today, cranberries are loved for their bold flavor and versatility. They’re a staple in dishes like sauces and desserts, representing the blend of history and creativity that defines Thanksgiving traditions.
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9. How TV Dinners Started with Thanksgiving
TV dinners trace their origins back to leftover Thanksgiving turkey. These extra holiday meals were repurposed into pre-packaged dinners, setting the stage for the frozen dinner industry during the early days of television.
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10. Why "Jingle Bells" Was Written for Thanksgiving
Contrary to popular belief, Jingle Bells was not written for Thanksgiving. Historical records show that James Lord Pierpont published the song in 1857 under the title One Horse Open Sleigh. It was later renamed Jingle Bells and became a cherished winter classic, but there’s no evidence linking it to Thanksgiving. This is a good reminder that not all holiday traditions are rooted in fact.
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Conclusion
Thanksgiving has evolved over centuries, shaped by history and the customs people have embraced along the way. From the first harvest feast to the traditions we enjoy today, every detail adds depth to this beloved American holiday.
Why not bring some of these facts to your own celebration? Use them to spark lively conversations at the dinner table or turn them into trivia games during dessert. For ready-made fun, check out our sister site, Cheap Trivia, which offers Thanksgiving-themed packs with over 40 questions – perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties.
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