Uncovering the Fascinating Thanksgiving Day History: Information and Facts to Know
When we think of Thanksgiving Day, we often imagine a delicious feast with turkey, pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings. However, there’s more to this holiday than just enjoying good food with loved ones. Thanksgiving has a rich history that you may not be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating Thanksgiving Day history and provide you with information and facts to know.
The Origin of Thanksgiving
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October 1621 by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This celebration was held to give thanks for the successful harvest and show gratitude for the Native Americans who had helped the Pilgrims with farming techniques and hunting. Thanksgiving was later declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving Traditions
Over time, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with certain traditions. One of the most iconic is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which started in 1924. This parade features floats, giant balloons, and performers that stretch for 2.5 miles through the streets of New York City. Another popular tradition is watching American football on Thanksgiving Day. The first NFL game played on Thanksgiving took place in 1934 between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
The Food of Thanksgiving
When we think of Thanksgiving food, the first thing that comes to mind is turkey. However, the Pilgrims did not actually eat turkey at the first Thanksgiving. Instead, they ate venison, fish, and various vegetables. Turkey only became a staple of Thanksgiving dinner in the 1800s. Other typical Thanksgiving dishes include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
Fun Thanksgiving Facts
– The heaviest turkey ever recorded weighed 86 pounds.
– The Guinness World Record for the largest pumpkin pie ever made weighs 3,699 pounds.
– The first televised NFL Thanksgiving game was between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers in 1953.
– The tradition of pardoning a turkey at Thanksgiving started with President Harry S. Truman in 1947.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving Day has a fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a harvest celebration to the modern-day traditions we know and love. By being aware of the facts behind this holiday, we can truly appreciate the meaning of giving thanks and spending time with loved ones.
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