5 Thanksgiving Facts For Students 2024

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting and family gatherings—it’s a fascinating holiday with a rich history and quirky traditions. For students curious about where this beloved celebration comes from and how it has evolved, here are five Thanksgiving facts that will surprise and delight you. From its historical origins to its delicious food traditions, there’s something for everyone to learn!

1. The First Thanksgiving Didn’t Have Turkey

While turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving feasts today, the first Thanksgiving 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people likely didn’t include the bird. Instead, records from that time suggest that the menu included venison (deer), seafood like fish and shellfish, and vegetables like squash and corn. The focus was on local resources and food that was harvested during the autumn season.

It’s believed that turkey only became a popular Thanksgiving dish in the 19th century, thanks to recommendations from Sarah Josepha Hale, the writer who championed Thanksgiving becoming a national holiday. In her writings, she mentioned “roast turkey” as part of a classic Thanksgiving meal, setting the model for modern traditions.

2. Abraham Lincoln Declared Thanksgiving a National Holiday

Although Thanksgiving celebrations existed in various forms since the 1600s, it didn’t become an official U.S. holiday until 1863. Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War, establishing it as a time for Americans to unite in gratitude.

Here’s the cool part—Lincoln’s declaration was heavily influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, who petitioned for years through letters and articles advocating for a national Thanksgiving holiday. Her efforts finally paid off; since then, Thanksgiving has been an annual tradition.

3. The First Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Didn’t Feature Balloons

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a hallmark of the holiday, with giant balloons, marching bands, and floats entertaining millions. But when the parade first debuted in 1924, it looked very different. The event featured live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo—think elephants, camels, and even tigers walking down the New York City streets!

It wasn’t until 1927 that the iconic giant balloons debuted, with Felix the Cat being the first inflatable character. These vast balloons have since become a major highlight of the parade, drawing viewers worldwide

4. TV Dinners Were Invented Because of Thanksgiving Leftovers

Believe it or not, the iconic TV dinner originates from Thanksgiving leftovers! Back in 1953, the frozen food company Swanson had 260 tons of excess turkey after Thanksgiving. Looking for a creative solution, an employee suggested packaging the leftovers with sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes into aluminium trays.

This led to the creation of the first TV dinners, which became a massive hit and revolutionized how many Americans ate. What started as a way to use up turkey leftovers turned into a billion-dollar industry and a staple of convenience food.

5. There’s a National Turkey “Pardoning” Ceremony

Each year, the President of the United States participates in one of the quirkier Thanksgiving traditions—the National Turkey Pardoning Ceremony. This event pardons one or two live turkeys, sparing them from becoming someone’s Thanksgiving dinner. This playful tradition dates back to 1863 when Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a turkey, but it wasn’t formalized until George H.W. Bush made it an official event in 1989.

The pardoned turkeys are often sent to live out the rest of their days on farms or in petting zoos, sparking plenty of smiles during the holiday season.

Fun Thanksgiving Food Facts

If you love Thanksgiving food, here are a few bonus fun facts to chew on:

• Cranberries bounce! Fresh cranberries can bounce like a rubber ball. That’s how farmers traditionally tested their ripeness.
• Sweet potatoes or yams? While many pall them yams, most Thanksgiving “yams” are sweet potatoes.
• Pumpkin pie debates: Pumpkin pies have long been a Thanksgiving favourite, but there are still debates over whether they were present at the first feast. Historians believe early settlers were likelier to make something like a pumpkin custard.