Wed Nov 27 15:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Gobble ‘Til You Wobble: Thanksgiving Trivia and Traditions
**Washington, D.C.** – As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, a look back at the history and traditions surrounding the holiday reveals fascinating facts and figures. This year’s celebration marks centuries of tradition, from the first Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621, to President Biden’s pardoning of two turkeys, “Peach” and “Blossom,” at the White House.
The holiday’s official recognition evolved, with George Washington’s 1789 proclamation setting a date, and Abraham Lincoln later establishing it as a national holiday in 1863. This year, Minnesotans are leading the way in turkey production, raising approximately 38 million birds, according to the USDA. Consumers will find some relief at the grocery store, with the average price of a 16-pound turkey down 6.1% from last year to $25.67.
Thanksgiving’s culinary traditions also have interesting origins. The ubiquitous green bean casserole, surprisingly, wasn’t originally a Thanksgiving staple; it was invented by a Campbell’s home economist as a new use for Cream of Mushroom soup. Cranberry consumption soars during the holiday week, with Americans devouring a whopping 80 million pounds.
The holiday’s commercialization is also a long-standing tradition, with Philadelphia’s Gimbel Brothers staging an early Thanksgiving procession in 1920, paving the way for Macy’s iconic parade, which began in 1924. Even the Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition since 1934, has its roots in boosting team popularity. And while tryptophan in turkey is often blamed for post-Thanksgiving naps, experts emphasize that it’s not the sole culprit for that post-meal drowsiness.
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