Why do we Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving

Turkey can be considered as an integral part of Thanksgiving celebrations. There are a number of interesting stories behind why turkey is the most important dish in the Thanksgiving. Eating turkey on Thanksgiving Day is a part of tradition and custom. One of the interesting stories is as follows:

Queen Elizabeth was celebrating a harvest festival with a baked goose. When she came to know that the Spanish Armada had sunk on its way to attack England, the Queen was so delighted that she ordered an additional roast goose. In this way, goose became the favorite bird at the harvest celebration in England. When the Pilgrims from England arrived in America, roasted goose was replaced by roasted turkey as wild turkeys were abundantly found as compared to geese. Thus, a new tradition of serving turkey at the Thanksgiving celebrations got started. Read more on the origin of the first Thanksgiving.

Another story behind eating turkey on Thanksgiving is as follows: The tradition of turkey is rooted in the 'History of Plymouth Plantation', which was written by William Bradford. But his documents were lost being taken away by the British during the War of Independence. These documents were rediscovered in 1854. After that, turkey was accepted as an icon of Thanksgiving Day. Eating turkey on Thanksgiving Day became a tradition. The male turkey is popularly known as ‘tom’ and female turkey is called as ‘hen’.

Of course, there might be plenty of other reasons why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Whatever may be the reason, it’s a fact that wild turkey is definitely a wonderful delicacy for the Thanksgiving celebration. According to Benjamin Franklin, turkey is a much more respectable bird and withal a true original native of North America. Wild turkeys usually feed on acorns and other natural products, which give turkey meat the ultimate taste.

Well, you must be very eager to know about some delicious turkey recipes and Thanksgiving recipes. You can try smoked turkey recipes or turkey stuffing recipes this weekend.