Breaking a turkey wishbone is one of the most ancient (and strangest) Thanksgiving traditions; it originated in ancient Italy and predates the very first Thanksgiving dinner! So how did the custom of breaking a wishbone make its way to the American dinner table? Although there is some disagreement over whether roast turkey was served at the first feast in 1662, one thing is certain: if you break the wishbone and succeed, your wishes will come true (or so the saying goes). So where did this strange tradition come from and what’s the trick to winning?.
We did extensive research to bring you a brief history lesson on one of America’s most popular post-dinner Thanksgiving traditions: breaking the turkey wishbone. Additionally, we provide instructions on where to locate the wishbone, how to remove it, and tactics to outwit your adversary.
The turkey wishbone is a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, but have you ever wondered where it comes from and why we break it? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the wishbone, how to find and remove it from a turkey, and the best strategies for winning the wishbone-breaking contest
What is a Turkey Wishbone?
The turkey wishbone, also known as the furcula, is a V-shaped bone located near the bird’s breast. It’s formed by the fusion of the two collarbones and plays a crucial role in supporting the bird’s chest during flight.
The History of the Wishbone Tradition:
While the exact origin of the wishbone tradition remains unclear, it’s believed to have started with the ancient Etruscans in Italy around 2,400 years ago. They considered hens to be oracles and would dry their collarbones in the sun after sacrificing them. These dried bones were then used for making wishes, with each person stroking the bone while whispering their desire.
Later, the Romans adopted the tradition and started breaking the wishbone instead of stroking it. This shift was likely due to the limited number of wishbones available compared to the number of people wanting to make wishes. By breaking the bone, two people could share the wish-making opportunity.
The Romans brought the wishbone tradition to England, where it eventually made its way to the New World with the Pilgrims. While the Pilgrims didn’t eat turkey at the first Thanksgiving, they continued the tradition of breaking the wishbone with other wild birds like ducks and geese.
How to Find and Remove the Wishbone:
Finding and removing the wishbone is best done before cooking the turkey. Here’s how:
- Place the raw turkey on a clean surface with the breast side up and legs facing you.
- Using a paring knife, cut away some skin at the top of the breast between the two halves.
- Feel down into the meat until you find the wishbone.
- Gently cut around the bone on each side and at the top using your knife.
- Carefully pull the wishbone out of the turkey, taking care not to break it.
How to Win the Wishbone-Breaking Contest:
Winning the wishbone-breaking contest requires a bit of strategy. Here are some tips:
- Choose the thicker side: If you have a choice, pick the side of the wishbone that is thicker. It’s more likely to withstand the pressure and remain intact.
- Grasp the bone higher up: When breaking the wishbone, hold it higher up near the top instead of near the bottom. This gives you better leverage and increases your chances of winning.
- Let your opponent do the work: Allow your opponent to do most of the pulling. This puts more stress on their side of the bone, making it more likely to break.
The turkey wishbone is a fun and meaningful Thanksgiving tradition with a rich history. By understanding its origins and following these tips, you can enjoy this tradition and even increase your chances of winning the wishbone-breaking contest!
What is the tradition with breaking a turkey wishbone?
Breaking a turkey wishbone is a tradition thats been around for thousands of years. Its believed to have started with the ancient Etruscans in Italy who believed that chickens had magical powers. The term “wishbone” comes from their practice of letting chicken furcula, a V-shaped bone near the neck, dry out in the sun while they alternately stroked it and made wishes. The custom of breaking the bone instead of stroking it was later adopted, and it has persisted ever since!
When the Romans met the Etruscans around 200 years later, they were given this custom in what can only be described as an anthropological game of telephone. The custom was later carried to England by the Romans, and eventually it traveled across the Atlantic on the Mayflower with the pilgrims, where it evolved into the modern Thanksgiving game!
What are the rules for breaking a wishbone?
First, lets discuss why the furcula, or the wishbone, even exists. Its essentially a birds collarbones that are attached to the wings on either side. Its slightly more elastic than other bones in the body which helps the bird fly properly. Heres how to carve a turkey and find the wishbone:
With the neck cavity facing you and the legs facing away, place the raw turkey breast side up on the ground.
With your index finger, feel on the inside of the neck cavity to locate the wishbone. It should feel like a V-shape bone.
Use a paring knife to cut the muscle along the edges of the V shape. Insert your finger tip to slightly enlarge the slit making sure youre not ripping any of the muscle.
Once both sides of the bone are detached from the muscle, wiggle slightly to loosen up the bone. Then pull gently from the center of the V shape and remove the bone.
Remove the Wishbone from a Turkey
FAQ
Does every turkey have a wishbone?
Does a turkey breast have a wishbone?
How many wishbones does a turkey have?