Even if you don’t live in the US, you know the essential facts about Thanksgiving. Movies, TV shows, and pop culture in general made sure people all over the world knew about this day. And though it is mostly known as an American holiday, there are many cultures that have a similar celebration.
While in the US, the history of Thanksgiving is closely related to the first settlers, in many other countries, it is the native population who celebrate the harvest season and offer their gratitude for having grown enough food for a year. The first American Thanksgiving celebration recorded in history is traced back to the early 1620s, though there is quite a bit of debate around the exact date, as there were two types of thanksgiving practices: a religious ceremony and a festive celebration, which, though having similar elements, were still pretty different.
Whenever it may have occurred for the first time, Thanksgiving is definitely one of America’s most beloved holidays. And what is a Thanksgiving celebration without a traditional dinner with turkey! Did you know that the average turkey weight for an adult male turkey can reach up to 24 pounds (11 kilograms)? And that’s only one of the traditional dishes you will be offered at the table.
Whether you are going to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and loved ones or just want to know more about the holiday, we have collected interesting facts about Thanksgiving that you can share with others during the dinner. Make sure you let us know in the comments which one caused the biggest discussion, and have a happy Thanksgiving!
#42
The majority of the thickening that comes with aging is caused by holiday weight gain.
7points
#43
The British don’t officially celebrate Thanksgiving, but they do celebrate "Brits-giving."
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7points
#45
The author of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' also succeeded in getting Thanksgiving established as a federal holiday.
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6points
#46
On Thanksgiving, more people visit Orlando, Florida than any other city.
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6points
#47
A Thanksgiving miscalculation led to the creation of the original TV dinner.
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6points
#50
Thanksgiving was once celebrated on the 3rd Thursday in November.
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6points
#51
The menu for the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth in 1621 likely included lobster, seal, and swans.
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6points
#52
Each year on the 4th Thursday in November recognizes the 'National Day of Mourning'. The observance is an opportunity to reflect on Native American heritage and the role Thanksgiving played in the lives of their ancestors.
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6points
#56
In the past, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons were simply released after the performance.
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5points
#58
In 2011, the Turkey trot in Dallas Texas set up a world record for the largest gathering of humans dressed up as turkeys.
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5points
#59
The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds and measured 20 feet in diameter.
5points