100 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving

In what month is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States?

Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving in October.

What is the traditional main dish served at a Thanksgiving dinner?

Turkey is the traditional centerpiece of a Thanksgiving dinner. An estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed each Thanksgiving in the United States.

Which Native American tribe helped the Pilgrims survive their first winter and participated in the first Thanksgiving?

The Wampanoag people, led by Massasoit, taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate crops and helped them survive. They participated in the 1621 harvest celebration.

What ship brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620?

The Mayflower carried 102 passengers from Plymouth, England to the New World in 1620. The voyage took approximately 66 days.

What is the name of the famous Thanksgiving Day parade held in New York City?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition since 1924. It features giant character balloons, floats, marching bands, and performances.

What side dish is made from mashing boiled potatoes with butter and milk?

Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes. They are often served with gravy made from turkey drippings.

What sport is traditionally watched on Thanksgiving Day in the United States?

NFL football games on Thanksgiving Day have been a tradition since 1934, when the Detroit Lions hosted the first Thanksgiving Day game.

What cranberry-based side dish is a staple at most Thanksgiving tables?

Cranberry sauce, whether homemade or canned, is a Thanksgiving staple. About 80 million pounds of cranberries are consumed during Thanksgiving week.

In what year is the first Thanksgiving celebration between Pilgrims and Wampanoag traditionally said to have taken place?

The first Thanksgiving is traditionally dated to the autumn of 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a three-day harvest celebration.

What dessert, made with a spiced custard filling in a pastry crust, is the most iconic Thanksgiving dessert?

Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. The tradition dates back to early colonial times when pumpkins were abundant in New England.

What is the day after Thanksgiving commonly known as?

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The term originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s.

In what present-day U.S. state did the Pilgrims land and establish Plymouth Colony?

The Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, in December 1620.

Which U.S. president officially proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday?

Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War, designating the last Thursday of November for its observance.

What is the loose skin hanging from a turkey's neck called?

The wattle is the fleshy, red skin that hangs from a turkey's neck. The snood is the fleshy protuberance on top of the beak.

What Thanksgiving tradition involves the U.S. president sparing a turkey from being eaten?

The presidential turkey pardon became an annual tradition. While presidents received turkeys for decades, George H.W. Bush formalized the pardon in 1989.

Which NFL team has hosted a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934?

The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving Day game annually since 1934, making it one of the longest-running traditions in the NFL.

What was the name of the Wampanoag man who spoke English and served as an interpreter between the Pilgrims and his people?

Squanto (Tisquantum) had learned English after being captured and taken to Europe years earlier. He taught the Pilgrims to plant corn and catch fish.

Which woman campaigned for decades to make Thanksgiving a national holiday and is sometimes called the 'Mother of Thanksgiving'?

Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Book, campaigned for 17 years writing letters to presidents before Lincoln finally proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

In what country is Thanksgiving also celebrated, but on the second Monday of October?

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Canadian Thanksgiving has roots in European harvest festivals brought by early settlers.

What bread-based Thanksgiving side dish is made by cubing and seasoning bread, then baking it inside or alongside a turkey?

Stuffing (or dressing when cooked outside the bird) is a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Recipes vary regionally, with Southern versions often using cornbread.

Which U.S. president moved Thanksgiving one week earlier in 1939 to extend the holiday shopping season, causing controversy?

FDR moved Thanksgiving to the third Thursday of November in 1939 to help stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. Congress fixed it to the fourth Thursday in 1941.

Approximately how many turkeys are consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving each year?

Americans consume approximately 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day, making it the largest turkey-consuming day of the year by far.

Which of these foods was most likely NOT present at the first Thanksgiving in 1621?

Pumpkin pie was not at the first Thanksgiving because the Pilgrims lacked the butter, flour, and ovens needed for pastry. They may have stewed pumpkin, but not in pie form.

What vegetable casserole, topped with fried onions, became a Thanksgiving staple after being created by a Campbell's Soup Company employee in 1955?

Green bean casserole was invented by Dorcas Reilly at Campbell's Soup in 1955. It combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.

What annual event, first held in 1896, takes place on Thanksgiving morning in many American cities?

Turkey trots are fun runs or races held on Thanksgiving morning. The oldest, in Buffalo, New York, has been held since 1896 and attracts thousands of runners.

What is the name of the document signed by the Pilgrims before they disembarked the Mayflower, establishing self-governance?

The Mayflower Compact, signed on November 11, 1620, was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It established a framework for self-government.

Which state produces the most turkeys in the United States?

Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in the U.S., raising approximately 40 million turkeys per year, followed by North Carolina and Arkansas.

What popular Thanksgiving side dish is made from sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows?

Sweet potato casserole, often topped with toasted marshmallows or a pecan streusel, became popular in the early 1900s and is now a Thanksgiving staple, especially in the South.

Benjamin Franklin reportedly wanted which bird to be the national symbol of the United States instead of the bald eagle?

In a letter to his daughter, Franklin expressed displeasure with the eagle choice and praised the turkey as a 'much more respectable Bird' and a 'true original Native of America.'

What is the term for the period of heavy travel the day before Thanksgiving, often the busiest travel day of the year?

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, often called Thanksgiving Eve, consistently ranks among the busiest travel days in the U.S. with millions hitting the roads and airports.

Which NFL team joined the Detroit Lions in hosting annual Thanksgiving Day games starting in 1966?

The Dallas Cowboys began their Thanksgiving Day game tradition in 1966. Along with the Detroit Lions, they are the two teams most associated with Thanksgiving football.

What animated TV special, first airing in 1973, features Charlie Brown trying to cook Thanksgiving dinner for his friends?

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired on CBS in 1973. In the special, Charlie Brown prepares toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans for his guests.

What popular post-Thanksgiving sandwich is made with leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce?

The Gobbler (or Thanksgiving sandwich) layers leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sometimes gravy on bread. It's one of the most popular ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

What is the fleshy protuberance that hangs over a male turkey's beak called?

The snood is the fleshy appendage that dangles over a turkey's beak. It can change color and size based on the turkey's mood and health. The wattle hangs from the neck.

In what year did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade first take place?

The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on November 27, 1924. Originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade, it featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.

Which colony held what many historians consider the first Thanksgiving in America in 1619, two years before Plymouth?

Berkeley Hundred in Virginia held a ceremony of thanksgiving on December 4, 1619, when settlers arrived from England. However, Plymouth's 1621 celebration is the most widely recognized.

What was the name of the Wampanoag leader (sachem) who established a peace treaty with the Pilgrims that lasted over 50 years?

Massasoit (Ousamequin) was the sachem of the Wampanoag confederacy. His peace treaty with the Pilgrims in 1621 lasted until his death, after which his son Metacom (King Philip) led a war against the colonists.

The 'wishbone' tradition at Thanksgiving involves breaking which bone from the turkey?

The furcula, commonly called the wishbone, is a forked bone found in birds. Two people pull it apart, and tradition says the one with the larger piece gets their wish.

What derogatory nickname was given to FDR's 1939 decision to move Thanksgiving earlier?

Critics called FDR's controversial 1939 Thanksgiving date change 'Franksgiving.' The country was split, with some states celebrating on the original date and others on the new one.

Which Edward Winslow account, published in 1622, contains the only firsthand description of the first Thanksgiving celebration?

Mourt's Relation, published in 1622, contains Edward Winslow's letter describing the 1621 harvest feast. William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation was written later and provides less detail about the event.

What percentage of Mayflower passengers survived the first winter in Plymouth Colony?

Roughly half of the Mayflower's 102 passengers died during the first winter of 1620-1621, primarily from scurvy, exposure, and outbreaks of contagious disease.

In the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, what replaced the live zoo animals starting in 1927?

Giant helium-filled character balloons were introduced in 1927, replacing the live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Felix the Cat was among the earliest balloon characters.

Which ocean region supplies the majority of cranberries consumed at Thanksgiving, with Wisconsin and Massachusetts as top producers?

The Atlantic Northeast, particularly Wisconsin and Massachusetts, produces the vast majority of U.S. cranberries. Wisconsin alone accounts for about 60% of the nation's cranberry crop.

The Pilgrims who came on the Mayflower were members of which religious movement?

The Pilgrims were Separatists, a subset of Puritans who believed the Church of England was beyond reform and separated from it entirely. They first fled to the Netherlands before sailing to America.

What name do many Native Americans give to Thanksgiving, observing it as a day of mourning?

Since 1970, many Native Americans have observed the National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving. It honors Native ancestors and acknowledges the history of colonization and genocide.

What is the name of the condition caused by the amino acid tryptophan in turkey, often blamed for post-Thanksgiving drowsiness?

While tryptophan gets the blame, post-meal drowsiness (postprandial somnolence) is mainly caused by overeating and high carbohydrate intake. Turkey has no more tryptophan than chicken or cheese.

Which president was the first to officially pardon a Thanksgiving turkey, formalizing the tradition in 1989?

George H.W. Bush formally pardoned a turkey in 1989, making it an official annual tradition. Earlier presidents received turkeys but the formal pardon ceremony began with Bush.

How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 reportedly last?

According to Edward Winslow's account, the first Thanksgiving was a three-day harvest celebration involving about 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag people.

What is 'Turducken,' a dish that has gained popularity as a Thanksgiving alternative?

A turducken is a deboned chicken stuffed inside a deboned duck, which is then stuffed inside a deboned turkey. It was popularized by Louisiana chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1980s.

What was the original name of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when it first started in 1924?

The parade was originally called the Macy's Christmas Parade, designed to kick off the holiday shopping season. It was later renamed to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

What year is commonly associated with the first Thanksgiving feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people?

While earlier thanksgiving services occurred, the 1621 harvest celebration in Plymouth is widely recognized as the event that inspired the modern American holiday.

Which Native American tribe shared the harvest feast with the English colonists in Plymouth in 1621?

The Wampanoag people, led by their sachem Massasoit, joined the English colonists for a three-day harvest celebration in Plymouth.

In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on which day of November?

The date for Thanksgiving was formally established as the fourth Thursday in November by a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Which of these foods, commonly associated with modern Thanksgiving dinners, was unlikely to have been served at the 1621 feast due to lack of sugar?

While cranberries were native to the region, sugar was scarce in 1621, making it improbable that sweetened cranberry sauce, as we know it, was served.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade first featured giant balloons depicting popular characters in what year?

The parade itself started in 1924, but the iconic giant character balloons, with Felix the Cat being the first, made their debut three years later in 1927.

Which U.S. President first proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving after the American Revolution, under the new Constitution?

Although earlier proclamations existed, President George Washington issued the first presidential proclamation for a national Thanksgiving Day under the new U.S. Constitution in 1789.

What type of meat, besides wildfowl, did the Wampanoag bring to the 1621 harvest feast?

According to historical accounts, the Wampanoag guests brought five deer to share, contributing venison to the feast.

The tradition of playing American football on Thanksgiving Day originated with which level of the sport?

College football games, particularly rivalry matches, were being played on Thanksgiving Day as early as 1876, long before the NFL was established.

The campaign for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday was significantly championed by which magazine editor?

Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Book, campaigned for decades to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, eventually convincing President Abraham Lincoln.

What popular Thanksgiving dessert is traditionally made with a specific type of gourd?

Pumpkin pie is a staple Thanksgiving dessert, utilizing a key autumn harvest ingredient.

During which major U.S. conflict did President Abraham Lincoln declare Thanksgiving a national holiday?

President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, amidst the Civil War, seeking to unite a war-weary nation.

Which U.S. President attempted to move Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November to extend the Christmas shopping season during the Great Depression?

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt tried to shift Thanksgiving earlier in November to boost the economy by lengthening the Christmas shopping period, a move sometimes called 'Franksgiving.'

Before giant balloons became the main attraction, what kind of live animals were featured in the early Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades?

The early Macy's parades, starting in 1924, featured animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, including elephants, bears, and monkeys.

Besides turkey, what other main dish is sometimes served at Thanksgiving dinner, particularly as an alternative or alongside the traditional bird?

While turkey is the centerpiece, baked ham is a common alternative or supplementary main dish at many Thanksgiving tables.

Which of these countries also celebrates a Thanksgiving-like holiday, often on the second Monday in October?

Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday in October, distinguishing it from the American observance.

The first NFL Thanksgiving Day game hosted by the Detroit Lions took place in what year?

The Detroit Lions began their tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day game in 1934, a practice that has continued almost annually since.

What natural sweetener was likely used by Native Americans with cranberries, rather than the refined sugar scarce in 1621?

The Mi'kmaq people introduced French settlers to cranberries in 1606, seasoning them with maple sap, suggesting its use as a traditional sweetener.

Which of these vegetables, a staple of modern Thanksgiving, was cultivated by both the Wampanoag and the English colonists in Plymouth?

Squash, along with corn and beans, were important crops for the Wampanoag and were also cultivated by the English settlers.

The concept of 'Franksgiving' refers to an attempt by a U.S. President to alter the date of Thanksgiving. Which president was this?

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to move Thanksgiving to an earlier date, a controversial decision that some nicknamed 'Franksgiving.'

What traditional Thanksgiving side dish is often made with bread cubes or cornmeal?

Stuffing (or dressing) is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, typically made with a bread base, herbs, and other ingredients.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was suspended for several years during which major global conflict?

The parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II, as resources like rubber and helium were needed for the war effort.

The first known American cookbook, 'American Cookery' (1796), notably recommended serving roast turkey with what now-traditional Thanksgiving accompaniment?

Amelia Simmons's 'American Cookery' (1796) is credited as the first cookbook to suggest pairing roast turkey with cranberry sauce, helping to solidify it as a Thanksgiving staple.

Which major American city has hosted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since its inception?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been held in Manhattan, New York City, starting from its first event in 1924.

The NFL's Thanksgiving Day games have traditionally included one game hosted by the Detroit Lions and another by which other team?

Since 1966, the Dallas Cowboys have traditionally hosted a Thanksgiving Day game, joining the long-standing tradition of the Detroit Lions.

In the historical account of the 1621 harvest feast, who was the Wampanoag leader who joined the English colonists?

Massasoit, the sachem (leader) of the Wampanoag people, attended the three-day harvest celebration along with 90 of his men.

Which American author wrote 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'?

'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' is a beloved animated television special based on the 'Peanuts' comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz.

The first national Thanksgiving Proclamation under the Continental Congress was issued in what year, prior to the U.S. Constitution?

A National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was issued by the Second Continental Congress in November of 1777, following colonial victories in the Battles of Saratoga.

What type of fowl, native to North America, is the traditional centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners today?

Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner, so much so that the holiday is sometimes colloquially called 'Turkey Day.'

The practice of 'pardoning' a turkey by the U.S. President became an annual White House tradition, though its origins are somewhat debated. Which President is often credited with the first informal 'pardoning'?

While the formal tradition of presidential turkey pardons began later, Abraham Lincoln is sometimes credited with the first informal 'pardon' of a turkey at the urging of his son.

What sweet root vegetable is commonly served as a casserole or candied dish at Thanksgiving?

Sweet potato casserole or candied yams are popular and traditional side dishes at Thanksgiving.

Which of these famous figures is among the estimated two million Americans descended from Mayflower passenger John Howland, according to genealogical research?

John Howland, a Mayflower passenger, has many notable descendants, including U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What year did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade first have a national television broadcast?

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade had its first network television broadcast in 1948.

The film 'Miracle on 34th Street', which prominently features the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, was released in what decade?

The classic film 'Miracle on 34th Street', featuring footage from the 1946 parade, was released in 1947, solidifying the parade's national recognition.

Which state is the top producer of cranberries in the United States?

Wisconsin produces roughly 60% of the U.S. cranberry harvest, followed by Massachusetts, Oregon, and New Jersey.

The 'three sisters' of Native American agriculture, often associated with the crops at the first Thanksgiving, primarily consist of corn, beans, and what other plant?

The 'Three Sisters' are corn, beans, and squash, which were important interdependent crops cultivated by many Native American tribes.

The NFL branding for its Thanksgiving Day games was changed in 2022 to honor which legendary coach and broadcaster?

In 2022, the NFL rebranded its Thanksgiving games as the 'John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration' in honor of the late coach and broadcaster.

Which character was the first-ever giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Felix the Cat was the first character to be featured as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.

In what year did President George Washington issue his second Thanksgiving Proclamation, after the first under the Constitution?

George Washington proclaimed a second day of Thanksgiving in 1795, following the defeat of the Whiskey Rebellion.

What is the primary ingredient that gives cranberry sauce its gel-like consistency?

Cranberries naturally contain pectin, a carbohydrate that forms a gel when heated with sugar, giving cranberry sauce its characteristic texture.

Before it became a national holiday, Thanksgiving was primarily a regional observance in what part of the American colonies?

Thanksgiving originated as a regional observance in colonial New England, stemming from English harvest and thanksgiving traditions.

What type of pie is often considered a traditional alternative to pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dessert?

Pecan pie is another classic and popular dessert often served alongside or in place of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.

The idea of a Thanksgiving feast, centered around gratitude for a successful harvest, has historical roots in similar celebrations around the world known as what?

Thanksgiving Day began as a day of giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year, similar to various harvest festival holidays throughout the world.

In what year was the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade held?

The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, initially called the Macy's Christmas Parade, took place in 1924.

What common Thanksgiving side dish is made from pureed potatoes, often with butter and milk or cream?

Mashed potatoes are a fundamental Thanksgiving side dish, typically prepared by mashing boiled potatoes with butter and milk or cream.

What was the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620?

The Pilgrims famously sailed to North America on the Mayflower, arriving in Plymouth in 1620.

What type of corn, native to the Americas, was a staple for the Wampanoag people and likely present at the 1621 feast?

Flint corn, a native variety, was a staple of Wampanoag diets and was eaten as corn bread and porridge at the first Thanksgiving.

Who was the English governor of Plymouth Colony during the 1621 harvest celebration?

William Bradford was the governor of Plymouth Colony at the time of the 1621 harvest feast.

What 1947 film helped to further popularize the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade nationwide?

The film 'Miracle on 34th Street', released in 1947, prominently featured the 1946 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it a household name.

The tradition of pouring gravy over turkey and mashed potatoes is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner. What is gravy typically made from?

Gravy is traditionally made from the flavorful drippings released by the roast turkey during cooking, often thickened with flour or cornstarch.

Which of these is NOT considered one of the three commercially grown fruits native to the United States, which includes cranberries?

Cranberries, blueberries, and Concord grapes are among the few commercially grown fruits native to the United States. Apples originated in Central Asia.