Thanksgiving is more than turkey and football – it’s a holiday with surprising history and quirky traditions. Here’s a quick overview of 8 lesser-known Thanksgiving facts:
- The First Thanksgiving Was 3 Days Long: In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag shared a three-day harvest celebration.
- No Turkey on the Menu in 1621: Early Thanksgiving meals featured other proteins, not turkey.
- Macy’s First Parade Had Zoo Animals: In 1924, live animals like elephants and tigers replaced today’s iconic balloons.
- Leftover Turkey Inspired TV Dinners: The idea for TV dinners came from repurposing turkey leftovers.
- Ben Franklin Preferred Turkeys Over Eagles: Franklin once suggested the turkey as the national bird.
- Thanksgiving Football Began in 1876: Football became part of Thanksgiving traditions with a game played that year.
- The Date Changed Before 1941: Thanksgiving moved from the last to the fourth Thursday of November due to economic concerns.
- Butterball’s Turkey Hotline Saves the Day: Since 1981, Butterball has helped families with turkey prep.
These facts add depth to Thanksgiving traditions and make for great conversation starters. Keep reading to learn how these moments shaped the holiday we celebrate today.
Thanksgiving Fun Facts You Didn’t Know
1. The Original Thanksgiving Lasted 3 Days
Back in 1621, the first Thanksgiving was a three-day harvest celebration shared by Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans. This gathering combined English harvest traditions with Native American practices of giving thanks, highlighting a sense of community and shared customs.
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2. First Thanksgiving Menu Didn’t Include Turkey
Surprisingly, turkey wasn’t part of the original Thanksgiving feast in 1621. Historical records give us only a vague idea of the proteins served during that meal. Over time, however, turkey became the star of Thanksgiving dinners across America.
This challenges the way we think about Thanksgiving today, where turkey is the centerpiece of countless holiday tables.
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3. Macy’s First Parade Featured Live Zoo Animals
One of the most unusual moments in Thanksgiving history happened during Macy’s first Thanksgiving Parade in 1924. Instead of the giant balloons we see today, the parade showcased live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Elephants, tigers, and bears marched through the streets, creating a spectacle that left onlookers in awe.
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4. How Leftover Turkey Led to the TV Dinner
The idea for the TV dinner came from leftover turkey. Creators combined turkey with sides in a heat-and-serve tray, tapping into the growing popularity of quick, convenient meals. It became a hit with busy families looking for easy dinner options.
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5. Ben Franklin Wanted the Turkey as National Bird
While the bald eagle is widely recognized as the national bird, Benjamin Franklin actually preferred the turkey. Although there’s limited documentation and no direct quotes from Franklin on this, it adds an interesting layer to American history and gives a fresh perspective on Thanksgiving traditions.
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6. First Thanksgiving Football Game: 1876
The first Thanksgiving football game, played in 1876, marked the start of football becoming a key part of the holiday. This early game paved the way for the sport’s strong connection to Thanksgiving. Over the years, it helped shape the holiday into what we recognize today, with football being a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations across the U.S.
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7. The Date Changed Before Settling on Fourth Thursday
Choosing Thanksgiving’s official date wasn’t straightforward. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, setting it for the last Thursday of November. But in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt shifted the holiday one week earlier.
Why the change? During the Great Depression, retailers worried about a shorter Christmas shopping season when Thanksgiving landed late in November. Roosevelt hoped the earlier date would give shoppers more time to spend, boosting the economy.
This decision, nicknamed "Franksgiving", caused a divide. Some states followed Roosevelt’s new date, while others stuck to the traditional last Thursday. The result? Nationwide confusion.
After much debate, Congress stepped in. In 1941, they passed a law making Thanksgiving a federal holiday, officially placing it on the fourth Thursday of November. President Roosevelt signed it into law on December 26, 1941, finalizing the date we observe today.
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8. Butterball Hotline Helps Thousands Each Year
The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line® started as a simple phone hotline but has grown into a free, multi-channel resource. Whether through phone, text, email, or social media, it provides trustworthy advice on common turkey prep issues like thawing and cooking times. This service helps ensure a smoother, less stressful Thanksgiving for families across the country.
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Conclusion
Thanksgiving has a rich history filled with interesting stories and traditions. From the original three-day feast to Benjamin Franklin’s preference for the turkey as a national symbol, these details give us a deeper appreciation of this American holiday. They also provide great conversation starters for your celebration.
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Add some historical tidbits to your Thanksgiving table this year. These fun facts and trivia can spark engaging conversations and create memories to cherish for years to come.
