Thaddy wrote:I don't get it. Turkey is so dry why not chicken?
1. Abundance and Size: Turkeys are large birds that can feed many people, making them ideal for a communal feast like Thanksgiving.
2. Native to North America: Turkeys are indigenous to the continent, unlike chickens or cows. Early settlers and Indigenous peoples were familiar with them, and they were readily available.
3. Historical Accounts: While the exact menu of the "First Thanksgiving" in 1621 is debated, wildfowl were mentioned in historical records. Turkey may have been among them, though ducks and geese were likely more common.
4. Promotion in the 19th Century: Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor, campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. In her writings, she often described turkey as the centerpiece of the meal, helping to popularize the tradition.
5. Symbolism: Over time, turkey came to symbolize abundance, harvest, and gratitude—core themes of Thanksgiving.