Thanksgiving is a special time of the year in the United States where families come together to give thanks for all that they have. This special holiday has been around for more than 150 years, and it originated from a harvest festival that the early American settlers celebrated in the 17th century. Known as Turkey Day, Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and it is a national holiday. Let’s take a look at Turkey Day History, and the two Thanksgivings that happened in 1871.
The History of Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when a group of English colonies known as the Pilgrims celebrated the fall harvest with a three-day feast they called “Thanksgiving”. It was during this feast that they gave thanks to God and the Native Americans who had helped them survive the harsh winter. This event became an annual observance and by the mid-1800s, more states in the Union had declared it a national holiday.
The Origin of Turkey Day
The origin of the term “Turkey Day” is vague and it’s not known exactly how the name came about. It’s believed that the name “Turkey Day” was coined in the late 1800s, when turkeys became the traditional bird of choice during the Thanksgiving feast. Before then, many other birds were served as the main dish, such as duck, geese, and even peafowl.
The Two Thanksgivings of 1871
In 1871, two separate Thanksgivings were celebrated in the United States. On the one hand, President Ulysses S. Grant declared the first national Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 24th. On the other hand, some states such as Massachusetts and Vermont already had their own Turkey Day celebrations for decades and decided to keep the tradition alive on the fourth Thursday of November. Thus, that year the United States celebrated two separate Thanksgivings; one on the fourth Thursday of November and the other on the 24th.
The Impact of the Two Thanksgivings
It wasn’t until several years later that the two Thanksgivings merged into one, and the federal holiday was moved to the fourth Thursday of November. This convergence of the two Thanksgivings made the holiday more widespread, and gave it the status that it enjoys today. As it stands now, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving with a single day set aside each year to give thanks.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Traditions
Thanksgiving breakfast traditions are as varied and diverse as the families who celebrate them. Some families may choose to have a sit-down breakfast with a full spread of all their favorite breakfast items, while others may opt for a simple meal in honor of the occasion. Here is a look at some of the popular breakfast items associated with Thanksgiving morning:
• Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast – Pancakes, waffles and French toast are all a great way to start your Thanksgiving morning, and you can use fall-inspired toppings like pumpkin puree or cinnamon-spice powder to kick it up a notch.
• Eggs – When it comes to eggs, there are a ton of ways to cook them for breakfast. You can go classic and make scrambled eggs, or jazz it up and make a frittata full of vegetables and cheese.
• Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a great option for breakfast, especially for those on a health-kick. You can whip up a delicious bowl of oatmeal with some add-ins like fresh berries, walnuts, and a hint of maple syrup or honey.
• Grains – Adding some whole grains to your Thanksgiving breakfast is a great way to start the day. Popular breakfast grains include quinoa, steel-cut oats, farro, barley, or anything that strikes your fancy. Top with some fruit or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor.
• Fruit – A great way to add a dose of vitamins and minerals to your meal is to incorporate some fresh fruit. This can be anything from oranges and apples, to bananas or avocados. You can also make smoothies or fruit salads for a bright and healthy start to the day.
Turkey Day is a special time of the year in the United States. Thanksgiving has been celebrated for over 150 years, tracing back to 1621 and the Pilgrims’ three-day feast. In 1871, the United States celebrated two separate Thanksgivings; one on the fourth Thursday of November and the other on the 24th, which eventually merged and became the celebrated holiday today. From pancakes, waffles and French toast to eggs, oats, grains and fruit, there are many breakfast dishes that are associated with Thanksgiving morning. So, as you gather with your family this year, take a moment to be thankful for all that we have, and to reflect on the long history of our special Turkey Day.
