Families and friends all around the world gather in their homes or the homes of loved ones every November to celebrate a wholesome holiday. Every year on the fourth Thursday, Americans gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by doing something everyone loves to do: eat. Through frying, roasting, and smoking, families prepare a turkey to bond over and feast on for entertainment and chatting.
Thanksgiving is a wholesome holiday that is widely celebrated in the U.S. Although many choose to celebrate it in different ways, with different people and from different backgrounds, one thing that remains prominent is the big fat turkey that is always in the middle of the table for the majority of people. This central dish found fame in 1621 due to its size and availability. Turkey has been prepared in multiple ways for multiple centuries.
Thanksgiving is a holiday for gratitude; yet, what is mainly focused on is the turkey. The historical accounts from the early Pilgrims and Native Americans mention a variety of fowl being present, including wild turkeys, ducks, and geese. Turkey quickly became associated with Thanksgiving because of its abundance in North America. Every year, millions of American families purchase turkeys to celebrate Thanksgiving, making it one of the most significant food purchases in the U.S. The National Turkey Federation (NTF) estimates that approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten during Thanksgiving in the United States each year. This makes Thanksgiving the holiday with the largest turkey consumption in the country.
How long has yummy turkey been around? The turkey’s association with Thanksgiving has been promoted through celebrities and stores. By the time President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the turkey had been widely seen as the official Thanksgiving bird (Pruitt). Despite other dishes showcased on the table, the turkey remains a common dish shared through the decades.
For many, the preparation of the Thanksgiving turkey is the holiday in itself. Hours of careful planning, seasoning, and cooking culminate in the moment when the turkey is finally brought to the table. The sweet smell and connection are enough to bring families together. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a quiet family dinner or the subject of a lively feast with extended family and friends, the turkey serves as a symbol of unity and gratitude. It is more than just a meal; it is a tradition passed down through generations, reminding all people of the importance of sharing food, love, and memories on this special day.
