An argument breaks out between John Adams, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson in the musical “1776,” which is currently being revived at the Roundabout. The subject? Birds.
Which one should be our national symbol? “The eagle,” Adams insists. “The dove,” Jefferson suggests. “The turkey,” Franklin says.
Franklin claims that the eagle is “a thief, a scavenger, a coward, and the symbol of more than 10 centuries of European mischief.”
And the turkey? “A really noble bird, an American native, a provider for our pioneers, and a very courageous fellow who would not hesitate to attack a regiment of British soldiers on his own!”
He didnt go so far as to propose the turkey as our national bird. However, he did refer to the bald eagle as a “Bird of bad moral character” in a letter in contrast to the turkey. “A much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original native of America. “.
The eagle is our national symbol. Its whats on the quarter. But the turkey is whats in our heart. And on our Thanksgiving table.
According to Charity Robey of Culinary Historians of New York, “it’s a holiday tradition, even though it has nothing to do with the first Thanksgiving.”
Thanksgiving, a day of feasting, gratitude, and family gatherings, wouldn’t be the same without the iconic centerpiece of the meal: the turkey. But have you ever wondered how this majestic bird became so deeply ingrained in the Thanksgiving tradition? Let’s embark on a journey through history and tradition to uncover the fascinating story behind the Thanksgiving turkey.
The Mystery of the First Thanksgiving: Was Turkey on the Menu?
The year is 1621 and the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans are gathered around a table sharing a harvest feast in what is now known as the First Thanksgiving. Contrary to popular belief, the exact menu of this historic meal remains a mystery. While some accounts mention “fowl” being served, there’s no definitive evidence that turkey was specifically on the table.
Historians believe the birds served could have been a variety of fowl, including ducks, geese, swans, cranes, or even eagles. So, if the turkey wasn’t the star of the first Thanksgiving, how did it become the undisputed symbol of the holiday?
Enter Sarah Josepha Hale: The “Godmother of Thanksgiving”
The story of the Thanksgiving turkey takes an interesting turn with the arrival of Sarah Josepha Hale, a prolific writer and editor who lived in the 19th century. Hale, also known as the “godmother of Thanksgiving,” tirelessly campaigned for the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
In her writings, Hale envisioned a Thanksgiving feast centered around a roasted turkey, portraying it as a symbol of national abundance and prosperity. Through her novel “Northwood,” published in 1827, she painted a vivid picture of the ideal Thanksgiving table, with the turkey taking center stage.
Hale’s relentless efforts for 17 years finally paid off when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. Throughout her campaign, Hale consistently promoted her vision of the perfect Thanksgiving, with the turkey firmly at the heart of it.
The Turkey’s Symbolic Significance: A Representation of National Identity
The turkey’s rise to Thanksgiving prominence wasn’t just about its deliciousness; it also became a symbol of national identity. As Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns, explains, the turkey symbolized America’s wealth and ability to provide for its citizens.
This symbolism was further solidified when President Ronald Reagan began the tradition of pardoning turkeys. While initially a humorous gesture to avoid questions about the Iran-Contra scandal the act of pardoning a turkey drew attention to the plight of millions of other turkeys destined for the dinner table.
The Changing Landscape of Thanksgiving: A Shift Towards Compassion and Alternatives
While the turkey remains a traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece for many, the landscape of the holiday is evolving. As we learn more about the realities of turkey production and the sentience of these birds, many are opting for alternative Thanksgiving dishes.
The rise of plant-based alternatives like Tofurky and the increasing awareness of factory farming practices are prompting more people to celebrate Thanksgiving with compassion and a focus on ethical food choices.
The story of the Thanksgiving turkey is a fascinating journey through history, tradition, and symbolism. While the bird’s presence on the Thanksgiving table may not have originated with the first Thanksgiving, it has become deeply ingrained in the holiday’s identity.
However, as we move forward, it’s important to acknowledge the changing landscape of Thanksgiving and the growing awareness of animal welfare. Whether you choose to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or opt for a plant-based alternative, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in celebrating gratitude, togetherness, and compassion.
Focus of the feast
The Big Bird, baked to a golden brown and positioned at the center of a table piled high with mashed potatoes, candied sweets, carrots, corn, Brussels sprouts, green beans, cranberry sauce, and Pillsbury rolls, is the epitome of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Turkey is serious. In the 1990 movie “Avalon,” when Dad carves the turkey before Uncle Gabriel arrives, it starts a family feud that spans generations.
The Old Man in “A Christmas Story” (1983) is a turkey junkie. The narrator describes how he would check his carving set every few hours to make sure the knife was sharp and the fork tines were honed. Even Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) celebrates his nefarious schemes with a turkey. “Master, dinner is prepared!”.
With the launch of the TV Dinner in 1954, Swanson transformed American eating habits by creating the first frozen entrée in history. Its first offering? Turkey. Swanson’s reasoning, according to Jane and Michael Stern in their 1990 “Encyclopedia of Bad Taste,” was that turkey was a festive dish that most people only ate on holidays. “.
Of course, turkey has a particular significance in November. “Eating turkey evokes a kind of historical connection to a mythical first Thanksgiving,” said Jack Bouchard, an assistant professor of history at Rutgers.
Though the connection, as Robey pointed out, is pretty dubious.
We are unsure of the delicacies served at the fabled feast the pilgrims held for themselves in 1621 following their first harsh winter. We have only one source for the story: a letter, written by colonist Edward Winslow.
“After our harvest was in, our governor sent four men fowling so that we could celebrate together in a unique way,” Winslow wrote. Local Wampanoag brought “five deer” to the party. And thats all we know. Whether the “fowl” were turkey has been debated.
Turkey are indeed native to America, as Franklin noted. Not, of course, the farm-bred, domesticated kind — the Butterball, bursting with white meat, that we all love. Wild turkeys are scrawny and tough.
“They were first domesticated in Mexico or Central America by the Maya,” said Maureen Costura, a professor of liberal arts at the Culinary Institute of America. “The Spanish took domestic turkeys to Europe, where they were quickly adopted.”
Turkey was popular in Colonial America. It may have been first associated with a Thanksgiving in 1789, when George Washington suggested a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer,” not the Thanksgiving itself. It is believed that Alexander Hamilton weighed in, saying that “no one should skip turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” ” Vegans were apparently not consulted.
How Did The Turkey Become The Symbol of Thanksgiving?
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