Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie – it’s packed with fascinating traditions and quirky facts. Here’s a quick rundown of 10 surprising Thanksgiving tidbits:
- Turkey Pardon: Officially started in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush.
- First Thanksgiving Menu: Featured venison, seafood, and wild fowl – not mashed potatoes or pie.
- NFL Tradition: Thanksgiving football began in the 1930s with the Detroit Lions.
- Turkey and Sleepiness: It’s the heavy meal, not just turkey, that makes you sleepy.
- Macy’s Parade Balloons: Each balloon uses 12,000 cubic feet of helium and 80–100 handlers.
- Cranberry Test: Ripe cranberries float due to tiny air pockets.
- Thanksgiving in Space: Astronauts enjoy turkey and yams in microgravity.
- Black Friday Origin: Coined by Philadelphia police in the 1960s due to post-Thanksgiving chaos.
- Biggest Pumpkin Pie: A 3,699-pound pie was baked in New Bremen, Ohio, in 2010.
- Post-Dinner Naps: Caused by carb-heavy meals and holiday relaxation.
Thanksgiving’s traditions are full of history, fun, and even science. Use these facts to impress your friends or spice up your holiday trivia night!
25 Little Known Facts About Thanksgiving – mental_floss on …
1. How the White House Turkey Pardon Started
The White House turkey pardon officially began in 1989 during President George H.W. Bush’s administration. While there are stories of earlier pardons, no solid evidence supports those claims. President Bush turned it into a formal and cheerful holiday tradition.
Now, it’s a fun and quirky moment that adds to the holiday spirit.
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2. What Was Actually Served at the First Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 didn’t include the dishes we associate with the holiday today. There were no mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin pie on the table.
Historical records from Plymouth Colony reveal that the three-day feast centered around wild game and seafood. The main dishes likely featured venison, wild fowl (like ducks, geese, and possibly wild turkey), along with fish and shellfish from the nearby Atlantic. Native Americans contributed local ingredients and game to the celebration.
Here’s a breakdown of what the original Thanksgiving menu probably looked like:
| Food Category | What They Likely Ate |
|---|---|
| Main Proteins | Venison, Wild Turkey, Duck, Goose, Fish, Shellfish |
| Vegetables | Onions, Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Native Squash |
| Grains | Cornmeal (used for bread and porridge) |
| Nuts & Fruits | Walnuts, Chestnuts, Wild Berries |
The focus was on meats and seafood rather than the side dishes we know today. Many modern Thanksgiving staples simply weren’t available to the Pilgrims due to the season and their location.
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3. Why NFL Games Became a Thanksgiving Staple
Thanksgiving football kicked off in the early 1930s when the Detroit Lions hosted a game, marking the start of a lasting tradition. Over time, more teams joined in, solidifying Thanksgiving as a day where football brings people together. The mix of sports and celebration has become a hallmark of the holiday.
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4. Does Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?
The idea that turkey makes you sleepy comes from its tryptophan content, but this is a bit misleading. While turkey does contain tryptophan, it’s not much different from what you’d find in other protein-packed foods like chicken, beef, or pork.
So, why do you feel so sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner? It’s more about the entire meal than just the turkey. A big, carb-heavy feast redirects blood flow to your digestive system, and the relaxed holiday vibe doesn’t exactly keep you energized.
Here’s a closer look at why you might feel like napping after the big meal:
| Factor | Effect on Sleepiness |
|---|---|
| Large Meal Size | Blood flow shifts to aid digestion |
| High Carbohydrates | Insulin response promotes relaxation |
| Holiday Atmosphere | A natural drop in energy levels |
| Tryptophan Content | Plays a minor role compared to others |
In short, it’s the combination of food, carbs, and the laid-back holiday mood that makes you sleepy – not just the turkey. Curious about more food science or holiday myths? Check out our weekly trivia subscription at https://cheaptrivia.com/products/weekly-trivia-subscription-service.
5. Numbers Behind Macy’s Parade Balloons
The massive balloons featured in Macy’s parade need a staggering 12,000 cubic feet of helium to float through Manhattan. To keep them steady and safe, a team of 80–100 trained handlers is required.
Here are the key details:
| Balloon Stat | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Helium Volume | 12,000 cubic feet |
| Required Handlers | 80–100 people |
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6. How Farmers Test Cranberry Quality
Cranberry farmers use water to check if their berries are ripe. Ripe cranberries have tiny air pockets that make them float, while unripe or damaged ones sink. This quick and straightforward test helps farmers instantly evaluate the quality of their crop.
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7. How Astronauts Celebrate Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traditions aren’t just limited to Earth – they’ve made their way into space too. NASA ensures astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, even in microgravity.
Their festive menu includes space-friendly versions of turkey, dehydrated cornbread dressing, candied yams, and tortillas (used instead of bread to avoid crumbs floating around). Special pouches and utensils help keep everything manageable in the weightless environment. It’s a creative way to bring a familiar holiday to an unfamiliar setting.
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8. When and Why Black Friday Started
The origins of Black Friday are quite different from the shopping frenzy we know today. In the 1960s, Philadelphia police officers coined the term to describe the overwhelming crowds of shoppers and tourists that swarmed the city after Thanksgiving. The heavy traffic, packed sidewalks, and long work hours left officers frustrated, leading to the name "Black Friday."
By the mid-1970s, Philadelphia retailers gave the term a new spin. They began promoting it as the time when their financial records shifted "from red to black", symbolizing profitability. Early sales events, like Gimbels’ doorbuster deals, helped pave the way for the modern Black Friday phenomenon.
Today, Black Friday has grown into a global event, with retailers offering extended hours and massive discounts. Its transformation from a chaotic day to a celebrated shopping tradition highlights how perceptions have shifted over time.
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9. Biggest Pumpkin Pie Records and Facts
New Bremen, Ohio, set the record for the world’s largest pumpkin pie on September 25, 2010. The New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers baked a pie weighing an incredible 3,699 pounds and measuring 20 feet in diameter. To handle this giant dessert, they even built a custom oven.
Here’s what went into this enormous pie:
- 1,212 pounds of canned pumpkin
- 233 dozen eggs
- 109 gallons of evaporated milk
- 525 pounds of sugar
- 7 pounds of salt
- 14.5 pounds of cinnamon
For perspective, this pie’s size is equal to about 2,466 standard 1.5-pound pies!
Before this, Circleville, Ohio – nicknamed the "Pumpkin Show Capital of the World" – held the record. In 2005, during their annual Pumpkin Festival, they baked a 2,020-pound pie. These massive creations highlight the fun and ambitious spirit of holiday baking.
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10. Why Everyone Naps After Thanksgiving Dinner
Ever wonder why everyone seems to crash after Thanksgiving dinner? While turkey does contain tryptophan, its levels are no higher than in other proteins, so it’s not the main culprit behind the post-dinner slump.
The real reason? That heavy, carb-loaded meal. It triggers a surge of insulin, which lowers blood sugar and shifts your body’s focus to digestion – leaving you feeling sluggish and ready for a nap.
To avoid the dreaded food coma, try eating smaller portions and taking a 15- to 20-minute walk after dinner. It’ll help regulate blood sugar and aid digestion.
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Wrapping Up
Thanksgiving’s quirky traditions and fun facts make it a holiday full of surprises. Now, you have 10 fun Thanksgiving trivia facts to share and keep the conversation flowing!
Trivia nights are a great way to bring people together during the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or organizing a community event, these tidbits can make your gatherings more engaging and fun.
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