I was staring at my wall today wondering why it was that the turkey has become a national target for one day of the year. I'm sure we were all taught in grade school that the Wampanoag Indians and the Pilgrims shared a feast and turkey was the main course. I wonder if Indians fried turkeys? Any way, I decided to delve into this poultry-persecuting holiday to unearth the truth.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 to commemorate the Pilgrim's harvest after a harsh winter. It turns out that a letter written by pilgrim, Edward Winslow, notes that the Governor William Bradford sent out 4 men out to gather food for a feast. They came back with "fowl" (presumably ducks, geese, and turkeys, which were common in the area). There is no written history of turkeys actually being served at the first Thanksgiving- it is just speculation.
So what if they actually ate something different. What if they had crow, sparrow, or woodpecker? Maybe peacock, blue jay, and owl? My point is (if I have one) that if 265 million turkeys are meeting their maker in the name of Thanksgiving each year, shouldn't we be sure it isn't the pigeon we're after?! I'm just saying the streets would be a cleaner place.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 to commemorate the Pilgrim's harvest after a harsh winter. It turns out that a letter written by pilgrim, Edward Winslow, notes that the Governor William Bradford sent out 4 men out to gather food for a feast. They came back with "fowl" (presumably ducks, geese, and turkeys, which were common in the area). There is no written history of turkeys actually being served at the first Thanksgiving- it is just speculation.
So what if they actually ate something different. What if they had crow, sparrow, or woodpecker? Maybe peacock, blue jay, and owl? My point is (if I have one) that if 265 million turkeys are meeting their maker in the name of Thanksgiving each year, shouldn't we be sure it isn't the pigeon we're after?! I'm just saying the streets would be a cleaner place.
3 comments:
The Turkey almost became the national symbol instead of the Bald Eagle. Benjamin Franklin was a proponent of the Turkey instead of the Eagle and almost won out. I can't remember why though.
You are correct sir. Ben Franklin believed the eagle was of bad moral character, because they often steal food from other birds of prey. The turkey is a "wise" bird, so Franklin thought they would better represent the U.S. However, the bald eagle is the only bird of prey unique to North America and represents strength. And finally, I don't think it would be proper to eat the national bird on Thanksgiving. (all this info was from a raptor program I use to give at Wildlife Prairie Park. my brain is full of useless facts)
I bow down to the one greater than I on useless facts. Never believed it possible, but I guess I'm naive like that . . .
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