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Thanksgiving Day Special: Story Behind the Turkey

By AGH_Hospitality_2022 informative 0 Comments

Thanksgiving usually means gathering with family and friends, and sharing a bountiful meal. Some of the dishes typically found in a Thanksgiving meal include, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and, above all, turkey. A Thanksgiving meal without a turkey is like a biryani without the rice – quite impossible. But did you know the ‘first Thanksgiving meal’ most probably did not have that tasty, sumptuous turkey. So, how did turkey become the centrepiece of this feast?

Yes, the year 1621 saw the Pilgrim settlers have a bountiful harvest and they celebrated the occasion with the local Wampanoag people. But there is no indication that turkey was served. According to historians, the Wampanoag brought five deers, while the Pilgrims provided wild ‘fowl’. Strictly speaking, the ‘fowl’ could have very well been turkey, which were in abundance in the area, but historians believe it was probably duck or geese.

It is only by the turn of the 19 th century that turkey became a popular dish to serve on Thanksgiving. Now, there were a few reasons for this –

The bird was rather plentiful. Experts claim that there were an estimated 10 million turkeys in America at the time of the European contact
Turkeys on family farm were always available for slaughter. The birds were generally raised only for their meat.
A single turkey was big enough to feed an entire family

Besides, these facts, writer Sarah Joseph Hale is said to have played important role in bringing turkey to the Thanksgiving table. In her 1827 novel – Northwood, she devoted an entire chapter to a description of a New England Thanksgiving, with a roasted turkey “placed at the head of the table.” At the same time, she was also campaigning to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday in the United States, which she believed would help unify the country as it teetered toward civil war. Her efforts finally paid off in 1863 when a presidential proclamation by Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.

Now, as Thanksgiving became an official American holiday, a national mythology formed around it. In 1841, a collection of Pilgrim writing had referred to the meal described by Winslow as “the first Thanksgiving.” Although Winslow didn’t specifically mention turkey, his fellow colonist William Bradford did refer to a “great store of wild Turkies” at Plymouth that fall, in a journal that was reprinted in 1856.

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Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the history behind the Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition?

The Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition is a well-known part of the American holiday, where turkey became a symbol of the Thanksgiving feast. The tradition is connected to early celebrations in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, and later grew through holiday promotion efforts by writer and Thanksgiving advocate Sarah Joseph Hale, becoming part of U.S. culture.

02 Why do hotels celebrate Thanksgiving with special holiday meals?

Hotels participate in Thanksgiving celebrations by offering special Thanksgiving meals that create memorable guest experiences. A traditional holiday menu featuring turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie helps hotels connect with guests, especially during family gatherings, vacations, and seasonal travel throughout the U.S. hospitality industry.

03 Why did turkey become the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast?

Turkey became popular for Thanksgiving because it was plentiful, practical, and large enough to serve an entire family gathering. By the 19th century, turkey became a traditional holiday meal choice. Writers like Sarah Joseph Hale helped promote the dish as part of the Thanksgiving celebration in American culture.

04 How does Thanksgiving influence the hospitality industry?

Thanksgiving creates opportunities for the hospitality industry to provide seasonal experiences for travelers and families. Hotels, resorts, and accommodation providers often create holiday packages, special dining events, and welcoming guest environments. Reliable hotel supplies, guest amenities, and operational planning help properties deliver memorable holiday experiences.

05 How can hotels create a Thanksgiving-themed guest experience?

Hotels can create a Thanksgiving-themed guest experience by incorporating seasonal decor, traditional meals, and personalized hospitality touches. Comfortable guest rooms, quality bedding, clean linens, and thoughtful amenities help guests enjoy a home-like atmosphere while celebrating the holiday away from their own homes.

06 How can hotels maintain quality service during holiday seasons?

Hotels can maintain quality service during holiday seasons by preparing inventory early, training employees, and partnering with dependable hospitality suppliers. Proper planning ensures housekeeping, front desk, and guest service teams have the resources needed to provide comfortable accommodations and memorable experiences during busy Thanksgiving travel periods.

07 How can hotels combine Thanksgiving history with modern guest experiences?

Hotels can combine Thanksgiving history with modern hospitality by creating experiences that celebrate tradition while meeting current guest expectations. Seasonal menus, storytelling, themed events, and comfortable accommodations help hotels connect guests with the meaning of the holiday while maintaining professional hospitality standards.