Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Find out the history of the holiday's traditional food

Thanksgiving in the United States is synonymous with a hearty feast featuring dishes such as bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, with turkey as the centerpiece.

While the widely held belief is that the tradition dates back to the "first Thanksgiving" in 1621 between Pilgrim settlers and Wampanoag people, historical evidence suggests that turkey might not have been on the menu during that specific event. Instead, the Pilgrims likely served ducks or geese.

The Pilgrims didn't initially view the meal as a significant event, and 17th-century references to it are scarce. Days of thanksgiving were already a common tradition rooted in European harvest festivals and Christian observances among New England colonists.

Reasons why turkey gained popularity

It wasn't until the 19th century that turkey gained popularity for Thanksgiving, owing to its abundance, ease of availability for slaughter on family farms, and the practicality of a single turkey feeding an entire family.

Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Sarah Josepha Hale's 1827 novel "Northwood," which described a New England Thanksgiving with a roasted turkey at the head of the table, played roles in solidifying the association of turkey with holiday meals. Hale, who also campaigned for Thanksgiving as a national holiday, succeeded in her efforts in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation.

Over time, a national mythology formed around Thanksgiving, and cultural links between Pilgrims, turkeys, and the holiday became integral to American education.

Despite the wild turkey's endangerment in the early 20th century, conservation efforts and modern breeding practices have contributed to their resurgence, ensuring the continued affordability and presence of turkeys on Thanksgiving tables across the country. The national tradition of Thanksgiving, with turkey as its symbol, remains a cornerstone of American culture and unity.

Thanksgiving in 2024 will be celebrated on November 28, adhering to the tradition of it always falling on the fourth Thursday of November each year.