Introduction
Families and friends get together to celebrate gratitude, eat delectable cuisine, and think back on life’s blessings over the beloved Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Although most people are familiar with the classic turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the history and customs of this holiday are far more extensive. As we explore 10 Unusual Facts about Thanksgiving that will not only enlighten you but also serve as excellent starting points for your next holiday get-together, come along on a trip through time and tradition.
1. The First Thanksgiving Was a Three-Day Party
In 1621, the first Thanksgiving lasted for three days. The Wampanoag and Pilgrims feasted, danced, and held contests to honor the harvest. The Pilgrims paraded their muskets and cannons; the Wampanoag countered with demonstrations of their speed on the field and their facility with bows and arrows. In addition to telling stories and exchanging gifts, one could dance and sing with the other.
2. The First Thanksgiving did not include turkey.
While turkey is a staple of contemporary Thanksgiving celebrations, there is little evidence to suggest that the Pilgrims and Wampanoag included it in their original feast. Venison, which the Wampanoag sent as a gift, is the sole meat that is recorded in the historical narratives. The Pilgrims may have hunted wild birds such as ducks, geese, or swans, but not necessarily turkey.
3. “Drinksgiving”; The Wednesday Before Thanksgiving
For many people, particularly college students who come home for a holiday, Blackout Wednesday, sometimes known as Black Wednesday, has become a favorite party night. This night’s binge drinking is referred to as “Drinksgiving,” a term coined in 2007. Nevertheless, the worst effects are related to health and safety with harmful effects such as addiction, drunken driving, and alcohol poisoning looming over party goers.
4. Thanksgiving Football Has Pre-NFL Roots
Even though NFL games are now a Thanksgiving tradition, football and Thanksgiving have a long history together. The earliest Thanksgiving football games were played by college teams in the late 19th century. Lots of high schools all over the country have joined in Thanksgiving Day games for many years. With the exception of World War II, the Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving Day each year since the NFL began doing so in 1934.
5. The First Thanksgiving did not have pumpkin pie, potatoes or berries.
These foods are staples of the modern Thanksgiving dinner, despite not being part of the original Thanksgiving meal. In North America, potatoes were not yet commonly grown, and cranberries were too sour to consume without sugar, which was in short supply. The travelers did not have stoves to cook pumpkin pie, which was not made until th͏e late 1600s. Instead; they might have eaten soft pumpkin with honey or syrup.
6. Sarah Josepha Hale is often called a mother of Thanksgiving
Hale, a writer and editor for magazines, spent decades advocating for Thanksgiving to be recognised. Hale, a magazine writer and editor, fought for Thanksgiving’s recognition as a national holiday for decades. She reached out to multiple presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, who ultimately granted her request in 1863. In addition, Hale is known for writing the children’s hymn “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
7. Thanksgiving Once Inspired a Fashion Trend
Thanksgiving was more than simply food in the middle of the 19th century; it also inspired a distinctive fashion trend. On Thanksgiving morning, kids would dress up and go door-to-door begging for candy or change. A forerunner to contemporary Halloween customs, masked Thanksgiving balls allowed adults to take part in the celebration. In some places, this tradition continued until the Great Depression, but it faded in the early 20th century.
8. Thanksgiving Has a Canadian Cousin
Thanksgiving has a northern equivalent with a rich history, despite being frequently perceived as a uniquely American event. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. The first Thanksgiving in North America, according to some, was celebrated in Canada in 1578 by explorer Martin Frobisher. Although the ideas of appreciation are similar for both holidays, Thanksgiving in Canada has its distinct customs and cuisine.
9. “Jingle Bells” Was Initially a Song for Thanksgiving
Originally titled “The One Horse Open Sleigh,” the song was composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 for his Sunday school class around Thanksgiving. Following its release in 1857, it became associated with Christmas during the 1860s and 1870s. There are also some less well-known lyrics in the song that talk about a high-speed crash, drag racing on snow, and picking up chicks.
10. The Macy’s Parade Began with Christmas in Mind
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which first started as a Christmas event, has changed into a beloved holiday custom. The creatures in the first march, called the “Macy’s Christmas Parade” back in 1924, came from Central Park Zoo. Felix the Cat led the way in the 1927 debut of the recognisable big balloons. The helium and rubber were contributed to the war effort during the 1942–1944 suspension of the parade owing to World War II.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, a͏s we come together at our tables, let’s think about the distant past, ways of life, and strange chances that have shaped this special time. Thanksgiving has grown over years but keeps its main ideas of being thankful and being with others from its simple start to its modern celebrations. Be it carving a turkey, watching enormous balloons float through the streets of the city, or supporting your favorite football team, keep in mind that you are taking part in a custom that is as diverse and vibrant as autumn’s leaves. This Thanksgiving, while you distribute the stuffing and discuss these odd facts, take a moment to establish your own special customs that might eventually be incorporated into the ever-expanding Thanksgiving mythology.
