The Fascinating History of Turkeys: From the First Thanksgiving to Modern Day Traditions

History Indigenous Peoples and History

Discover the captivating history of turkeys, from their role in the first Thanksgiving to their iconic status in modern holiday celebrations. Learn about their native habitat, cultural significance, and even their influence on popular expressions.

Turkeys in Native American Culture

🦃Turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and has been the protein of choice for the holiday ever since.

🌲Turkeys are native to North America and prefer mixed Conifer hardwood forests.

🦃There are only two species of wild turkey remaining.

Turkeys in Historical Context

🦃Native Americans favored male turkeys for their bones and feathers.

🔪Turkeys were used for food, tools, and in ritual ceremonies.

🐔The first Europeans called turkeys 'Galina DEA' or 'land chicken'.

FAQ

What is the Mandela effect?

The Mandela effect refers to a situation where people believe an event occurred when it did not.

When was Thanksgiving proclaimed as a national holiday?

A letter to President Lincoln prompted the proclamation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

How long do pardoned turkeys typically live?

Turkeys pardoned by the president typically live for only 2 years.

Where did the term 'turkey' to describe a failed play or film originate?

The term 'turkey' to describe a failed play or film originated from the early 20th century in New York.

What is the popular belief about a painting of Henry VII and a turkey leg?

There is a popular belief that Henry VII is holding a giant turkey leg in a painting by Hans Hine the younger, but this is not accurate.

Summary with Timestamps

🦃 0:18The history of Thanksgiving turkey is not as straightforward as commonly believed.

🦃 4:08The video discusses the importance of turkeys to Native Americans and how they became known as 'turkeys'.

🦃 8:26The Mandela effect is when people believe an event occurred when it did not, such as Nelson Mandela's death, and in this case, it is believed that Henry VII is holding a giant turkey leg in a famous painting.

🦃 12:11The tradition of Thanksgiving in the United States was established through a letter to President Abraham Lincoln and later reinforced by a work of fiction, with turkeys becoming the iconic centerpiece of the holiday.