200+ Thanksgiving Fun Facts

Over 200 fun facts about Thanksgiving for your enjoyment!

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the year, including the harvest and other good fortune. In the United States, it is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada it is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Thanksgiving is typically marked by a large feast with family and friends, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other traditional foods. It is also a time for many people to travel to be with loved ones and to participate in various traditions and activities that vary by region and culture.

To help you celebrate, we’ve created this list of over 200 fun facts about Thanksgiving

About Thanksgiving
Fun Facts About Thanksgiving
Additional Fun Information About Thanksgiving

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – About Thanksgiving

The history of Thanksgiving in the United States can be traced back to the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who fled England in search of religious freedom. They arrived in what is now known as Plymouth, Massachusetts in late 1620, after a long and difficult journey on the Mayflower. The Pilgrims faced a harsh winter, and many died from disease and starvation. However, with the help of the local Wampanoag Indians, they were able to learn how to cultivate the land and grow crops.

In 1621, the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate their first successful harvest. The Wampanoag Indians joined them in the celebration, and this is now considered to be the first Thanksgiving. The feast included turkey, venison, fish, fruits, and vegetables, and was a time for the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to give thanks for their blessings.

Thanksgiving was not an official holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in the midst of the Civil War. The holiday was set to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November each year. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill into law making Thanksgiving a legal federal holiday and moving the date to the fourth Thursday of November. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated by millions of people across the United States as a time to give thanks and enjoy time with family and friends.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – 191 Fun Facts

Here are 191 fun facts about Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.
Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but on the second Monday in October.
The first Thanksgiving lasted for three days.
Thanksgiving was not a federal holiday until 1863.
In 1941, Thanksgiving became a legal federal holiday in the United States.
Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.
Over 50 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving in the United States.
The tradition of pardoning a turkey by the President started in 1947 with President Harry Truman.
The average weight of a turkey purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually since 1924.
The first Thanksgiving Day Parade was organized by Gimbels department store in 1920.
The first balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was Felix the Cat in 1927.
The Thanksgiving Day football game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears has been played every year since 1934.
The American football game on Thanksgiving Day is often referred to as “Turkey Bowl”.
The heaviest turkey ever recorded weighed 86 pounds.
President Abraham Lincoln established the first national day of Thanksgiving in 1863.
The first Thanksgiving meal is believed to have been eaten with spoons and knives, but no forks.
The Plymouth Pilgrims did not have pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving.
Cranberries are one of the only fruits native to North America.
Green bean casserole is a popular Thanksgiving side dish that was invented in 1955 by Campbell’s Soup.
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and is known for its sales and shopping frenzy.
The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for grocery stores.
The first Thanksgiving was not a feast, but rather a way to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
The Pilgrims did not have mashed potatoes at the first Thanksgiving, as potatoes had not yet been introduced to North America.
Thanksgiving is a time for many families to express gratitude for what they have.
Turkeys are native to North America and were a staple food for Native Americans.
In 1789, George Washington proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving.
Some Native Americans view Thanksgiving as a day of mourning rather than a day of celebration.
In the U.S., Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday for home cooking.
The average American will consume over 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
The cranberry is one of three fruits native to North America that is commercially grown.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was suspended from 1942 to 1944 due to World War II.
In some families, it is traditional to have a big breakfast before Thanksgiving dinner.
The busiest travel day before Thanksgiving is the Wednesday before the holiday.
Thanksgiving is celebrated in many other countries, including Canada, Liberia, and Norfolk Island.
In 2013, the National Retail Federation reported that over 35 million Americans shopped on Thanksgiving Day.
Some people have a traditional “Friendsgiving” celebration with friends before or after Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is the second most popular holiday for sending cards, after Christmas.
The famous Thanksgiving song, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” was written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844.
The National Dog Show has been held annually on Thanksgiving Day since 2002.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year.
The tradition of football on Thanksgiving dates back to 1876.
The first recorded football game played on Thanksgiving was in 1876 between Yale and Princeton.
The tradition of the presidential pardon of a turkey began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
The first Thanksgiving meal on the moon was held by Apollo 12 astronauts in 1969.
According to the Guinness World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds.
Sarah Josepha Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, campaigned for 17 years to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
The first Thanksgiving was three days long.
The Mayflower was not the first ship to land at Plymouth Rock; it was the third.
The first Thanksgiving feast did not include turkey.
The first Thanksgiving feast did include seafood, such as lobster, clams, and fish.
The tradition of the wishbone dates back to the ancient Etruscans and Romans.
The first televised football game on Thanksgiving was in 1934 between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in most other countries.
The Pilgrims did not have forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their hands.
Thanksgiving was not declared a federal holiday until 1863, during the Civil War.
The traditional Thanksgiving colors are brown, orange, and yellow.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday, and it is the busiest shopping day of the year.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is called Small Business Saturday, and it is a day to support small businesses.
The Monday after Thanksgiving is called Cyber Monday, and it is the busiest online shopping day of the year.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest bar night of the year.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, including family, friends, food, and shelter.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held annually in New York City since 1924.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo.
The parade’s signature character, “Santa Claus,” didn’t make an appearance until 1927.
The largest Thanksgiving Day parade is the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago.
Turkey is the traditional main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner.
The average weight of a Thanksgiving turkey is 15 pounds.
The National Turkey Federation estimates that 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year in the United States.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is also known as “Native American Heritage Day.”
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Canadians eat turkey for Thanksgiving, too, but they also eat ham, stuffing, and sweet potatoes.
The Canadian Thanksgiving celebration is said to have been inspired by the English harvest festival.
The Plymouth Pilgrims did not use forks at the first Thanksgiving dinner; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.
The Pilgrims did not have pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving; they had pumpkin, but they used it in stews and soups.
The first Thanksgiving may have included lobster, seal, and swan, in addition to turkey and deer.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States, rather than the bald eagle.
The first NFL game played on Thanksgiving was in 1934 between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.
The Dallas Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1966.
The Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1945, except for 1949 and 1968.
In 2012, President Barack Obama pardoned two turkeys named Cobbler and Gobbler.
The pardoned turkeys are sent to live at a farm instead of being eaten.
The turkeys served at the White House Thanksgiving dinner are usually donated by a turkey farm.
The first recorded thanksgiving celebration in North America was in 1578, led by Martin Frobisher in present-day Canada.
The word “thanksgiving” appears in the Bible 32 times.
The word “turkey” comes from the Turkish word “tukki,” which means “big bird.”
The Pilgrims originally intended to settle in Virginia, but they ended up in Massachusetts due to a navigational error.
The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower, a ship that was only about 100 feet long and 25 feet wide.
The Mayflower carried 102 passengers and crew members to the New World.
The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, a document that established a basic form of government, before disembarking the ship.
The first Thanksgiving was not referred to as such at the time; it was simply a harvest celebration.
The Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag Native Americans to the first Thanksgiving dinner.
The Wampanoag brought five deer, corn, beans, and squash to the first Thanksgiving dinner.
The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate corn and squash.
The Pilgrims and Wampanoag did not eat at a long, rectangular table at the first Thanksgiving; they likely sat on the ground or on benches.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in Canada in 1879.
In the United States, Congress made Thanksgiving a legal holiday in 1941.
Thanksgiving was originally celebrated on the last Thursday in November, but in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week to extend the Christmas shopping season.
Some people protested the change, calling the new date “Franksgiving.”
The traditional Thanksgiving colors are orange, brown, and yellow.
The day after Thanksgiving is also known as “Leftovers Day.”
The phrase “turkey day” is a slang term for Thanksgiving.
The day before Thanksgiving is sometimes called “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday,” as it’s a popular day for people to go out drinking.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features dozens of floats, balloons, and marching bands.
The balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are filled with helium.
The first balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was Felix the Cat in 1927.
The most popular balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is Snoopy.
In 1993, the Sonic the Hedgehog balloon knocked over a streetlamp and injured a parade-goer.
The first Thanksgiving may have lasted longer than three days; some accounts say it lasted a week.
In 2018, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people was $48.90 in the United States.
The average American consumes 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day.
Many people watch football on Thanksgiving Day, with the NFL broadcasting three games throughout the day.
The Detroit Lions have a losing record on Thanksgiving Day; their all-time record is 38-41-2.
The Dallas Cowboys have a winning record on Thanksgiving Day; their all-time record is 31-20-1.
The first Thanksgiving Day football game between high schools was played in 1895 between the Boston Latin School and the English High School.
The first Thanksgiving Day football game between colleges was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton.
The first Thanksgiving Day parade was held in Philadelphia in 1920.
The original purpose of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was to promote Christmas shopping.
The Thanksgiving meal typically includes mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans, in addition to turkey.
The green bean casserole, a popular Thanksgiving side dish, was invented by the Campbell Soup Company in 1955.
Some people deep-fry their turkeys for Thanksgiving.
The first record of a Thanksgiving Day sermon in the United States was in 1637 in Massachusetts.
The first Thanksgiving Day proclamation by a U.S. president was issued by George Washington in 1789.
In 1939, President Roosevelt proclaimed that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the second-to-last Thursday in November, rather than the last Thursday.
Some people participate in a “turkey trot” or other charity runs on Thanksgiving morning.
The term “turkey trot” can also refer to a dance popular in the early 20th century.
The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers.
In the 1920s and 1930s, “ragamuffin parades” were held on Thanksgiving in some parts of the United States, where children dressed up in old clothes and asked for candy or money.
The first national Thanksgiving Day parade was held in 1924 in Philadelphia, organized by the department store Gimbels.
The first National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation took place in 1947, when President Harry Truman received a turkey as a gift from the National Turkey Federation.
In 1989, President George H.W. Bush began the tradition of “pardoning” the turkey, sparing it from being eaten for Thanksgiving dinner.
The turkey that is “pardoned” by the president is usually sent to a farm or petting zoo.
There is also a tradition of pardoning a second turkey as a backup in case the first one gets sick or injured.
The pardoned turkeys often have humorous names, such as “Butterball” and “Biscuits.”
The largest pumpkin pie ever made weighed over 3,000 pounds and was 20 feet in diameter.
The first NFL game played on Thanksgiving was in 1920 between the Akron Pros and the Canton Bulldogs.
Some people participate in a “friendsgiving” celebration, where they gather with friends instead of family for Thanksgiving.
The day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday,” the busiest shopping day of the year.
Some retailers have started opening on Thanksgiving Day itself for early Black Friday sales.
The term “Black Friday” originally referred to the stock market crash of 1869, but it later came to be associated with the day after Thanksgiving due to the increased retail sales.
In recent years, there has been a backlash against the commercialization of Thanksgiving, with some people advocating for stores to stay closed on the holiday.
The day after Thanksgiving is also known as “Buy Nothing Day,” a protest against consumerism and excessive spending.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is also National Native American Heritage Day in the United States.
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October.
In Grenada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 25th as a national holiday.
In Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November as a national holiday.
Thanksgiving is not celebrated in most other countries around the world.
The first Thanksgiving meal at the White House was held by President John Adams in 1800.
Some people serve pumpkin pie for breakfast on the morning after Thanksgiving.
The word “turkey” comes from the Turkish word “tukka,” which means “big bird.”
The first frozen turkey was sold in 1954 by the Butterball company.
Some people believe that the tryptophan in turkey meat makes them feel sleepy, but this is actually a myth; the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not enough to cause drowsiness.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is watched by over 50 million people each year.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year in the United States, with millions of people traveling to visit family and friends.
In 2020, many people celebrated Thanksgiving differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some opting for virtual celebrations or smaller, socially-distanced gatherings.
Some people choose to volunteer at soup kitchens or other charities on Thanksgiving as a way of giving back.
The movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is set around Thanksgiving and has become a popular holiday film.
Some people decorate their homes for Thanksgiving with autumnal wreaths
The Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts is a popular destination for visitors on Thanksgiving, as it offers a glimpse into what life was like for the Pilgrims.
The Native American tribe that is most commonly associated with the first Thanksgiving is the Wampanoag tribe.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621, and it lasted for three days.
The Pilgrims did not call the first Thanksgiving a “Thanksgiving” at the time; it was simply a harvest festival.
The first Thanksgiving feast likely did not include many of the dishes that are now considered staples of the holiday, such as mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
It is estimated that Americans consume over 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving each year.
The average American consumes around 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day, which is more than the recommended daily intake for most adults.
The busiest travel day of the year in the United States is typically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as people head home for the holiday.
The Detroit Lions have played a football game on Thanksgiving Day every year since 1934.
The Dallas Cowboys have also played a football game on Thanksgiving Day every year since 1966.
Thanksgiving is the second most popular holiday for sending greeting cards, after Christmas.
Some people celebrate “Friendsgiving” on the weekend before Thanksgiving, as a way of celebrating with friends before the actual holiday.
Thanksgiving is a popular time for high school and college reunions, as many people are back home for the holiday.
In some parts of the United States, it is traditional to eat oyster stuffing instead of turkey stuffing on Thanksgiving.
In other parts of the country, it is traditional to eat cornbread stuffing instead of bread-based stuffing.
The day after Thanksgiving is sometimes referred to as “National Leftovers Day,” as people often eat leftover turkey and other dishes.
Some people use their leftover turkey to make turkey soup, turkey sandwiches, or turkey pot pie.
The first known recipe for pumpkin pie was published in a British cookbook in 1675.
Sweet potato pie is also a popular dessert for Thanksgiving in some parts of the United States.
In some families, it is traditional to go around the table and have each person say what they are thankful for before eating the Thanksgiving meal.
The Friday after Thanksgiving is a popular day for Christmas tree shopping and decoration.
Some people believe that eating pickles before the Thanksgiving meal helps to aid digestion.
Thanksgiving is a popular time for hunting in some parts of the United States, as it falls during deer hunting season in many states.
In the United States, Thanksgiving marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, which includes Christmas and Hanukkah.
Some families have a tradition of going around the table and telling jokes or sharing stories on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a popular time for playing board games and card games with family and friends.
In some parts of the United States, it is traditional to eat a Thanksgiving “turducken,” which is a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about Thanksgiving that kids might enjoy:

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native American tribe.
Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is a famous tradition that began in 1924.
President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
Turkeys are the most popular food for Thanksgiving dinner in the United States.
Cranberry sauce, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are other popular Thanksgiving foods.
It’s traditional to serve pumpkin pie for dessert on Thanksgiving.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year.
President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of pardoning a turkey every year for Thanksgiving in 1947.
Many people watch football games on Thanksgiving Day.
The first Thanksgiving feast lasted for three days.
The pilgrims and Native Americans likely did not eat turkey at the first Thanksgiving feast.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo.
The tallest Thanksgiving Day parade balloon ever was the 78-foot-tall “Snoopy” balloon in 2015.
The longest Thanksgiving turkey wishbone ever recorded was 28 inches long.
The average Thanksgiving turkey weighs about 16 pounds.
The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed over 3,700 pounds.
The first TV dinner was created by Swanson in 1953 as a way to use up their extra turkey.
President John F. Kennedy was the first to pardon a turkey for Thanksgiving in 1963.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for family, friends, and all of the good things in our lives.
The holiday season officially begins with Thanksgiving in the United States.
The tradition of making hand turkeys is a fun Thanksgiving craft for kids.
Some families have a tradition of going around the table and sharing what they’re thankful for on Thanksgiving.
It’s traditional to watch the classic Thanksgiving movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
Kids can help with Thanksgiving preparations by making decorations, setting the table, and helping with the cooking.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Legends

There are several Thanksgiving legends and stories that have been passed down through the years. Here are a few:

The Legend of the First Thanksgiving: According to this legend, the Pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620, suffered from a harsh winter and were helped by the Wampanoag tribe. After a successful harvest in 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated with a feast that became known as the first Thanksgiving.

The Legend of the Cornucopia: This legend tells the story of the Greek god Zeus, who was nursed by a goat named Amalthea. In gratitude, Zeus created the cornucopia, also known as the “horn of plenty,” which would always be full of food and riches.

The Legend of the Wishbone: This legend involves a tradition where two people each grab one end of a turkey’s wishbone and make a wish. The person who gets the larger piece of the wishbone will have their wish come true.

The Legend of the Turkey: In this legend, Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird of the United States, instead of the bald eagle. Although this legend is not entirely true, it is a fun story to share with kids.

The Legend of Squanto: This legend tells the story of Squanto, a Native American who was captured by English explorers in the early 1600s and taken to England. He eventually made his way back to North America and helped the Pilgrims by teaching them how to cultivate crops and hunt for food.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is rich in traditions. Here are some common Thanksgiving traditions:

Giving thanks: One of the central themes of Thanksgiving is gratitude, and many families take time to express their thanks for all the good things in their lives.

Family gatherings: Thanksgiving is a time when families often gather together to share a meal, catch up, and spend time with each other.

Turkey dinner: Roast turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy is the traditional main course for Thanksgiving dinner in the United States.

Pumpkin pie: Another Thanksgiving tradition is to serve pumpkin pie for dessert. Many families also enjoy other pies and sweets, such as pecan pie, apple pie, or sweet potato pie.

Football: Watching football games on Thanksgiving Day has become a popular tradition for many families.

Volunteer work: Some families and individuals choose to spend part of their Thanksgiving holiday volunteering at a local food bank, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter.

Black Friday shopping: The day after Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Black Friday,” and many people take advantage of the sales and discounts to do their holiday shopping.

Giving to charity: Some families use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to give back to their communities by donating to charitable organizations.

Hand turkeys: Making hand turkeys is a fun Thanksgiving craft for kids.

Parade watching: Many families enjoy watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which features giant balloons, floats, and marching bands.

These are just a few examples of the many traditions associated with Thanksgiving. Different families and communities have their own unique customs and rituals to mark the holiday.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Around the World

Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada, but there are other countries that have similar holidays or traditions:

Liberia: Thanksgiving is a national holiday in Liberia, celebrated on the first Thursday of November. This tradition originated with freed American slaves who settled in Liberia in the 1800s.

Grenada: The island nation of Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25th. This tradition was introduced by American missionaries in the mid-20th century.

Brazil: Brazilians celebrate a holiday similar to Thanksgiving called “Dia de Ação de Graças” on the fourth Thursday of November. It is not a national holiday, but is observed by some religious and cultural groups.

Japan: Japan has a holiday called “Labor Thanksgiving Day” on November 23rd. This holiday is meant to give thanks for workers’ efforts and for good harvests.

The Netherlands: The Dutch have a holiday called “Sint Maarten” on November 11th that is similar to Halloween, but also has some elements of Thanksgiving. Children go door-to-door with lanterns, singing songs and receiving treats.

These are just a few examples of countries with holidays or traditions that have similarities to Thanksgiving. However, Thanksgiving as it is celebrated in the United States and Canada is a unique cultural and historical tradition that has not been widely adopted by other countries.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Riddles

Here are a few Thanksgiving riddles for you:

What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving? The letter “g”!

What did the turkey say to the computer? “Google, google, google!”

What did the mashed potatoes say to the gravy? “We make quite a pair!”

Why did the cranberries turn red? Because they saw the turkey dressing!

What do you call a pilgrim who doesn’t take a bath? A foulgrimage!

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Symbols

There are several symbols that are associated with Thanksgiving, including:

Turkey: Roast turkey is the traditional centerpiece of a Thanksgiving meal, so it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday.

Cornucopia: Also known as the “horn of plenty,” the cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and harvest. It is often depicted overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

Pumpkin: Pumpkins are a common symbol of autumn and harvest, and they are also a key ingredient in many Thanksgiving desserts, such as pumpkin pie.

Pilgrims: The Pilgrims were the early English settlers who celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Native Americans in 1621. They are often depicted in Thanksgiving artwork and decorations, dressed in their traditional clothing.

Native Americans: The Native Americans played a key role in the first Thanksgiving celebration, and they are also a common symbol of the holiday.

Maple leaves: Maple leaves are a symbol of autumn, and they are often used in Thanksgiving decorations and artwork.

Gratitude: While not a physical object, gratitude is a central theme of Thanksgiving, and many people consider it to be a symbol of the holiday.

These are just a few examples of the many symbols associated with Thanksgiving. Different families and communities may have their own unique symbols or traditions that they associate with the holiday.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Determining the Date for Thanksgiving

The date to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States was determined by a combination of historical and cultural factors.

The first Thanksgiving in the United States was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims, who had arrived in the New World the previous year. The exact date of this celebration is not known, but it is believed to have taken place in late September or early October.

In the years that followed, various colonies and states held their own Thanksgiving celebrations, but there was no national holiday or standard date for the holiday.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving and prayer. The date was chosen partly because it fell between the harvest season and the Christmas shopping season, but also as a way to promote unity and healing during the Civil War.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November to extend the holiday shopping season and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. Some states resisted this change and continued to celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, but by 1941, the fourth Thursday had become the national standard.

Since then, the date for Thanksgiving has remained fixed on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Celebrations Across the States

While the general customs and traditions of Thanksgiving are fairly consistent across the United States, there can be some regional and state-specific variations in how the holiday is celebrated. Some examples include:

Foods: While turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are staples of the Thanksgiving meal, there can be some variations in the specific dishes served. For example, in the southern U.S., it is common to serve sweet potato casserole or pecan pie instead of pumpkin pie.

Parades: Many cities hold Thanksgiving parades, but some of the most well-known are the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit.

Sports: Football is a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition in many households, and some high schools and colleges also hold games on or around the holiday.

Volunteerism: In some states, it is common to volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank on Thanksgiving Day, while in others, families might do volunteer work together in the days leading up to the holiday.

Family traditions: Every family has their own unique traditions, and these can vary widely from state to state. Some families might spend the day cooking and watching football, while others might go on a hike or take a family photo.

These are just a few examples of the ways in which Thanksgiving celebrations can vary by region or state. Overall, however, the holiday is a time to come together with loved ones and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Foods

Thanksgiving is typically associated with a large feast that includes a variety of traditional foods and treats. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Turkey: Roast turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals in the United States. It is usually seasoned with herbs and spices and served with gravy.

Stuffing: Also known as dressing, this is a bread-based mixture that is usually flavored with onions, celery, herbs, and spices. It is often baked inside the turkey, but can also be cooked separately.

Mashed Potatoes: Boiled potatoes that are mashed with milk, butter, and seasoning.

Gravy: A sauce made from the drippings of the roasted turkey, combined with flour or cornstarch and additional seasonings.

Cranberry Sauce: A sweet-tart sauce made from cooked cranberries, often served as a condiment with the turkey.

Green Beans: Typically served as a casserole, often with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Sweet Potatoes: Often mashed and topped with marshmallows or pecans.

Pumpkin Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert made with a spiced pumpkin filling in a pie crust, often served with whipped cream.

Pecan Pie: A rich pie made with a filling of butter, brown sugar, eggs, and pecans.

Apple Pie: A classic pie made with sliced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a flaky crust.

These are just some of the most popular foods and treats that are associated with Thanksgiving. Different families and regions may have their own unique twists on these dishes or additional favorites that they include in their Thanksgiving feast.

Fun Facts About Thanksgiving – Quotes

Here are some quotes appropriate for Thanksgiving:

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.” – Melody Beattie

“Thanksgiving Day is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving.” – Amy Grant

“We can always find something to be thankful for, and there may be reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning.” – Albert Barnes

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.” – Joyce Giraud

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

“Give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of your life. Appreciate and never take for granted all that you have.” – Catherine Pulsifer

“Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” – Henry Van Dyke

These are just a few quotes that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving and the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in our lives.

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Holidays

President’s Day, Mardi Gras, Day Light Savings Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Arbor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, D-Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, Groundhog Day

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