Why is turkey a traditional Thanksgiving dish?

The image of a golden turkey on the dining table has become a symbol of Thanksgiving. Behind this dish are interesting stories.

Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, with the party being held at Plymouth plantation, where the first residents from England settled in the United States. They invited the Wampanoag to a party to celebrate a successful growing season. This year, the ceremony takes place on November 26.

Picture 1 of Why is turkey a traditional Thanksgiving dish?
Delicious turkey dishes.(Photo: walmartlivebetter.ca).

The history of Thanksgiving turkey has not been clarified. No one knows exactly why this species was chosen as a traditional dish, but historians have several theories. From the early American letters of the United States, the historic meal between the explorers and the Wampanoag tribe included beef and chicken. Later, that meal was known as the first Thanksgiving.

Historians do not know which type of chicken is used during the meal, but a letter from Edward Winslow mentioned a previous turkey hunt.

Another theory of Thanksgiving turkey is related to Queen England . In the 16th century, a Spanish fleet of ships was sunk on the way to attack England. Legend has it that Queen Elizabeth received this news while having dinner. She was so happy that she asked to serve one more goose.

Some historians believe that the first settlers were inspired by the event, and filmed a turkey instead of geese. This option is quite understandable because turkeys are native to North America. Even the "Father of America" Benjamin Franklin wanted to take them as national symbol birds.

Picture 2 of Why is turkey a traditional Thanksgiving dish?
The turkey was released by President Obama.(Photo: Daily Mail).

Today, turkey is an indispensable dish in American families on Thanksgiving . An interesting tradition of the White House is to spare a turkey before the ceremony. In 2009, President Obama spared a turkey named Courage. Courage was taken to Disneyland and became the Thanksgiving Day parade owner at this famous amusement park.

Turkey is a type of chicken belonging to the Meleagris gallopavo that has been domesticated and raised as a poultry to provide food. Turkey meat is especially popular in Western countries. In Vietnamese, they are called turkeys because they are introduced to Vietnam from Western countries. Turkey is a type of bird originating from the Americas, currently raised in many countries around the world. Turkey meat is often used by Americans and Westerners for baked goods and today, they are used more for Thanksgiving or family parties.