Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, not only because of the amazing food, but also because it meant time spent with my very large, somewhat strange, but loving family. Growing up, I couldn’t wait until November rolled around and I got to go to my grandmother’s house where all the females of the family would spend the day in the kitchen, cooking, laughing, and talking about the men. The males, on the other hand, would spend the day outside, setting up tables, games, and “handling” the meat. When everything was done, we’d come together and pile our plates up, spreading out in the living room, outside, in the kitchen, dining room, and pretty much anywhere else we could find a seat. It didn’t matter what room you ended up in, it would always be filled with the din of laughter and good conversation. With the holiday in question just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting conversation starters for you and your family this year. Here are five weird facts about Thanksgiving:
1. Thanksgiving Actually Used To Look Like This:
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It’s true. Less than 100 years ago, people would don a mask and costume on Thanksgiving day. According to Huffington Post, people would go door to door begging for pennies and treats, kind of like Halloween in the daytime. There were some differences though. Back then, it was considered acceptable to toss flour and confetti on unsuspecting pedestrians and, if you were lucky, you may even have been invited to a masquerade ball.
2. Benjamin Franklin Thought A Turkey Would Have Made A Better National Bird
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In a letter Mr. Franklin wrote to his daughter, he dissed on the bald eagle, stating “For in truth, the Turk'y is in comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America.” He goes on to question the bald eagle’s moral character, pointing out that the bird “does not get his living honestly.” In comparison, Franklin stated that the turkey was a “Bird of Courage.”
3. Jingle Bells Was Originally Written For Thanksgiving
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One of the most classic Christmas carols ever created was actually written for Thanksgiving. The song was first published in 1857 and written by James Lord Pierpont. It was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh” and was about the sleigh races that used to be popular in the 1800s.
4. Americans Consume The Entire Weight Of Singapore On Thanksgiving
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It is estimated that 736 million pounds of turkey was consumed on Thanksgiving in 2015. Singapore had an estimated population of 4.48 million in 2005. If the average person from Singapore weighs 154 lbs, the weight of turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. is actually over the total weight of the entire population of Singapore.
5. Thanksgiving Eve Is The Biggest Drinking Day Of The Year
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The eve before Thanksgiving is known as “Black Wednesday”, and it is the biggest drinking night of the year. Bar owners believe the reason for this is due to the fact that most everyone is off of work the next day. It also gives people a chance to catch up with old friends and loved ones. What better way to do that than over a few drinks?
I hope you have enjoyed these fun facts and that your holiday is both memorable and wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
