Holiday Trivia

Turkeys are known to be fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles an hour. While this may not be as fast as other animals, it is still quite impressive considering the size and weight of a turkey. This speed allows them to quickly escape potential threats or predators in their environment.

The pilgrims ate with a spoon and knife. In the 17th century, forks were not commonly used. People used spoons, knives, and their hands to eat.

The first Thanksgiving meal included deer and codfish, and boiled pumpkins. These were local foods available to the pilgrims and Native Americans at the time.

The Wampanoag tribe was invited to spend Thanksgiving with the pilgrims. The Wampanoag people were indigenous to the region that is now known as New England. They had a history of interaction with the pilgrims, including helping them learn how to grow crops and navigate the unfamiliar land. The Thanksgiving feast is said to have been a celebration of the successful harvest, and the Wampanoag tribe played a significant role in this event.

Turkeys have a wide field of vision, with their eyes located on the sides of their head. This allows them to have a panoramic view and see a large area around them. While they cannot see behind them, they have a nearly 270-degree field of vision, which means they can see almost everything in front of them without turning their heads. This wide range of vision helps them detect predators and stay alert in their surroundings.

A baby turkey is called a poult. This term is commonly used to refer to young turkeys, just like how a chick is used to refer to baby chickens. The term "poult" is derived from the French word "poulette," which means a young hen or chicken. It is important to note that a goblet is not the correct term for a baby turkey, and a squab typically refers to a baby pigeon.

Massasoit was the Indian chief who helped the pilgrims survive the winter. He was a leader of the Wampanoag tribe and played a crucial role in establishing peaceful relations with the pilgrims. Massasoit formed a treaty with the pilgrims, providing them with food and assistance during their first winter in Plymouth. This alliance was beneficial for both parties, as it ensured the survival of the pilgrims and helped maintain peace between the Wampanoag tribe and the English settlers.

When a turkey looks up during rain, it exposes its nostrils, which are located on the top of its beak, to the rainwater. If the rain is heavy enough, the nostrils can become clogged with water, making it difficult for the turkey to breathe. This can lead to drowning as the turkey is unable to clear its airways.

Potatoes were available for the pilgrims during Thanksgiving, but they did not use them because they believed potatoes were poisonous. This misconception was due to the fact that potatoes belong to the nightshade family, which includes some toxic plants. However, the pilgrims were unaware that only certain parts of the nightshade plants are poisonous, while the potatoes themselves are safe to eat. This misunderstanding led them to avoid potatoes during their Thanksgiving feast.

President Lincoln was the first to pardon a turkey. It’s said that Lincoln’s son, Tad, pleaded with his father to spare the life of a turkey that was meant for their Christmas dinner, and Lincoln agreed.

The correct answer is the Mayflower. The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower from England and landed at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts.

Abraham Lincoln was the first president to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In 1863, during the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." This proclamation established the annual observance of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November. Lincoln's decision to make Thanksgiving a national holiday was influenced by a letter from Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent writer and editor, who had been advocating for a national day of Thanksgiving for many years.

Cranberries must bounce at least 4 inches before they are harvested. This is because ripe cranberries have air pockets inside them, which cause them to bounce when they are dropped. By testing the bounce height, farmers can determine if the cranberries are mature and ready for harvest. A bounce of 4 inches ensures that the cranberries have developed fully and are of good quality.

The original Thanksgiving lasted for 3 days. This is because the first Thanksgiving was a harvest celebration held by the Pilgrims in 1621. It was a time for giving thanks for a successful harvest and for the blessings of the past year. The celebration included feasting, games, and activities that lasted for three days. It was a time for the Pilgrims and the Native Americans to come together and share in the abundance of the harvest.

The correct answer is 102. There were 102 passengers on the Mayflower, and they were later known as the Pilgrims.

The Mayflower was the ship that transported the Pilgrims from England to America in 1620. The Pilgrims were seeking religious freedom and a new life in the New World. The Mayflower's journey across the Atlantic Ocean was challenging, but it ultimately led to the establishment of the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts. The Mayflower has since become an iconic symbol of the early European colonization of America.

The Wampanoag tribe played a crucial role in helping the Pilgrims survive their first winter by teaching them how to cultivate crops, hunt, and fish in the unfamiliar environment of New England. The Wampanoag also provided assistance and guidance in building shelters and establishing relations with other Native American tribes in the region. This alliance between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag ultimately led to the first Thanksgiving celebration in 1621.

Each year, the President pardons a turkey as part of the Thanksgiving tradition. This turkey is known as The National Thanksgiving Turkey. It is a famous event that symbolizes compassion and mercy during the holiday season. This tradition has been carried out by Presidents for many years, bringing attention to the importance of gratitude and kindness towards all living creatures.

Pumpkin pie is considered the traditional Thanksgiving dessert because it has been a staple dish on Thanksgiving tables for many years. The rich, creamy filling made from pumpkin puree, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, baked in a flaky crust, is a beloved treat that symbolizes the fall season and harvest bounty. Its warm, comforting flavors evoke feelings of nostalgia and togetherness, making it a perfect ending to a Thanksgiving meal.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a famous annual event held in New York City to celebrate Thanksgiving. It is known for its giant balloons, floats, performances, and marching bands that attract millions of spectators both in person and on television. Macy's has been organizing this parade since 1924, making it a beloved tradition for many families across the United States.

Dressing is the name commonly used for the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, which is a mixture of bread, vegetables, herbs, and spices that is typically cooked inside the turkey or separately as a side dish. The term "dressing" is often used in the Southern United States, while "stuffing" is more commonly used in other regions.

Turkey gravy is the traditional Thanksgiving gravy because it is made using the drippings from roasted turkey, giving it a rich and savory flavor that complements the main dish perfectly. The name "Turkey Gravy" specifically highlights its association with the Thanksgiving meal and the roasted turkey that is typically served as the main course during this holiday.

Cranberry sauce is a traditional Thanksgiving sauce made from cranberries, sugar, and other ingredients. It is a popular condiment served alongside turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. The tartness of the cranberries complements the savory flavors of the meal, making it a staple on Thanksgiving tables across the United States.

Sweet Potato Casserole is a traditional Thanksgiving dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with a sweet and crunchy pecan or marshmallow topping. It is a popular side dish during the holiday season and is often served alongside turkey and other classic Thanksgiving dishes.

Cornbread stuffing is a popular traditional Thanksgiving dish made with crumbled cornbread mixed with various ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is a classic side dish that is often served alongside roasted turkey during Thanksgiving celebrations. The combination of the savory cornbread with the flavorful seasonings creates a delicious and comforting dish that has become a staple on Thanksgiving tables across the United States.