Thanksgiving: A Cultural Celebration Centered Around Turkey
As Thanksgiving approaches next Thursday, families across the United States prepare for a feast that prominently features turkey, a symbol of this festive occasion. While the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a native species found in many parts of North America, it does not originally hail from North Dakota. Instead, the ocellated turkey (Meleagris ocellata) populates the Yucatan Peninsula, with the wild turkey serving as the ancestor to the domesticated version celebrated each November.
The historical significance of turkey in American culture is profound, though its presence at the first Thanksgiving in the 1600s remains uncertain. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin championed the wild turkey as a candidate for the national bird, showcasing its importance in American heritage. The bird has also influenced the vernacular; in bowling, scoring three consecutive strikes is called a "turkey," a term that arose from a promotional gimmick offering live turkeys as prizes. Additionally, movies that fail commercially are referred to as "turkeys," and individuals who quit a bad habit abruptly are said to "quit cold turkey."
While not native to North Dakota, wild turkeys were introduced in the 1930s and have since established themselves as a popular game bird. Today, they can be found throughout the state, particularly in areas such as the Red River Valley and the Missouri River bottomlands.
This Thanksgiving, as families gather to share meals and traditions, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable journey of the turkey—from a potential national symbol to an enduring fixture in American culture and cuisine.
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