Enjoy these facts about Thanksgiving! Maybe even surprise your friends and family with this trivia at the dinner table tomorrow.
1. When was the first Thanksgiving celebrated?
In 1621, a 3-day feast was held for 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians. History records that only 5 women were present. This celebration sealed a treaty between the two groups for the next 50 years.
2. What food was not at the first Thanksgiving?
Turkey! Native Americans and colonists most likely shared a meal of venison, duck, lobster, seal and goose, with sides of pumpkin and cranberries.
3. How many turkeys are prepared and eaten each Thanksgiving?
46 million! 88% of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. 22 million people will eat turkey on Christmas too.
4. What is a Turkey Pardon?
In 1989, President George H. Bush pardoned the first turkey before Thanksgiving at the White House, when the 50 lb. bird “looked a little nervous.” The big bird went on to live a full, long life after being excused from being on the dinner table. Every president since then has pardoned a turkey, with some being sent to live at Disney World!
5. Do turkeys actually gobble?
Only male turkeys make a gobble, gobble sound. Female turkeys cackle.
6. How many calls does the Butterball Turkey Hotline receive each Thanksgiving?
The Butterball hotline is a free phone number people can call to ask questions about how to prepare turkey. Each year, 100,000 calls are answered about how to prepare, stuff, and cook the bird. The Butterball company also now accepts text message questions as well at Thanksgiving time.
7. Do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving?
Yes, Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but it is always the second Monday in October. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November.
8. What is the most popular dessert to eat on Thanksgiving?
Each year, 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten for dessert at the end of Thanksgiving dinner.
9. What professional sport is always played on Thanksgiving?
NFL football always has games played on this holiday. The Detroit Lions have played every Thanksgiving Day, except during World War II. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined in on playing on Thanksgiving, and has played every year since then, except for 1975 and 1977.
10. Which president made Thanksgiving a national holiday?
President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday on October 3, 1863. Sara Hale, who wrote the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” wrote letters to presidents for 17 years requesting a National Day of Thankfulness.
We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Tiffanee M. Wright, MA, MPH | Executive Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay
