The History of Thanksgiving Dinner and Traditional Food
From cornucopias to pumpkin pie, many traditions comprise Thanksgiving dinner. But there is much more to this holiday and its festivities than just the food!
What Is the History of Thanksgiving Dinner?
One of the most important national holidays in the United States is Thanksgiving Day. While many events gave birth to the tradition, it is believed that it began in 1621. When the Mayflower left England in September 1620, it landed on Cape Cod where colonists began to settle. After the pilgrims’ first harvest succeeded, the pilgrims and the Native Americans planned a feast.
The Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared the feast that has come to be known as Thanksgiving dinner. While many Native American traditions were incorporated into the meal, dessert was not a part of the initial feast. In 1817, New York became the first state to organize an annual Thanksgiving. But, it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. So the history of Thanksgiving dinner reaches back to the very beginnings of US history itself.
What Are Thanksgiving Traditions in the USA?
Thanksgiving may encompass a variety of different traditions, but it’s more than just a kick-off to the Christmas season. As the busiest travel day of the year, it takes place on the fourth Thursday in November. From football to turkey wishbones, more than just a kick-off to the Christmas season. As the busiest travel day of the year, it takes place each year on the fourth Thursday in November. From football to wishbones, unique traditions, decorations, and recipes go along with Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you have Cornish game hens or oven-roasted turkey, there are many ways to celebrate this holiday!
Given the importance of Thanksgiving Day in the United States, it’s no surprise that many travel home for this holiday. Yet, there’s more to Thanksgiving than the well-known feast! For some, it can be a time to give back by volunteering at a food bank or homeless shelter. For those at home, spending time with family watching football or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is customary. The Turkey Trot is also a popular national event that can help to balance out Thanksgiving dinner eats! As the most popular race in America, this run started in Buffalo, New York, in 1896 and is still going. But don’t forget about one of the day’s most prominent traditions – the turkey pardon! Instead of ending up on the dinner table, the President of the United States pardons a gifted turkey.
What Are Some Easy Thanksgiving Decorations?
Since it takes place in autumn, there are many Thanksgiving dinner ideas that go along with the season. Some people decorate their mantle with a variety of seasonal vegetables, like gourds and pumpkins. The cornucopia, representative of a horn of plenty, is also a popular Thanksgiving decoration. Beyond the most popular fall vegetables, the hues of orange, red, and brown also make for good decorations. Whether it’s an autumn wreath or flower arrangement, there are ways to incorporate seasonal colors and stick to the budget. It can also be a fun family affair to pick wheat stalks, cattails, and leaves to complement the Thanksgiving feast.
What Do You Eat at a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner?
There may be many traditions, stories, and decorations that go along with autumn and the Thanksgiving holiday. But, the most essential part of the holiday is most certainly the feast with its bevy of autumn-inspired food! While traditional foods have changed considerably during the history of Thanksgiving dinner, there are many common Thanksgiving dinner recipes.
Turkey (or Tofurkey for vegetarians) is the meal’s highlight, whether cooked in a slow cooker, turkey fryer, or oven. Some popular side dishes include Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, and Jell-O salad. Mashed potatoes, pumpkin-based foods, yams, and sweet potatoes are also staple sides. Unlike the first Thanksgiving, dessert is now an important part of the feast, with pumpkin pie and pecan pie being the prominent favorites!
The focus of Thanksgiving may be the feast, but many traditions go into the special day. Do you have any quick, easy Thanksgiving dinner recipes unique to your family? If you do so, please share them with us on social @getfamilyapp! Whether volunteering, watching football or doing the Turkey Trot, there are many ways to make the holiday memorable.
