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One of the most significant Thanksgiving symbol is Thanksgiving turkey. It forms the main dish of the Thanksgiving dinner platter. Almost every house prepares Thanksgiving turkey to celebrate the festival of Thanksgiving. However, we do not have any evidence to endorse the fact that turkey was served at the Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving. Yet there is a book written by Pilgrim's Governor William Bradford, where he mentions of wild turkeys. Furthermore, in yet another letter that was sent to England, a pilgrim describes how the Governor sent "four men out howling" to bring turkeys, ducks and geese.
Thanksgiving turkey is native to northern Mexico and the eastern United States. It is also the National Bird of America. Benjamin Franklin declared turkey as the national bird against the bald eagle that he found to be coward.Initially, Thanksgiving turkey was domesticated in Mexico. Around early 16th century, it was brought to Europe. The excellent quality of meat and egg was probably the reason for its growing production, consumption and popularity. Some of the common breeds of Thanksgiving Turkey in the United States are:
- Bronze
- Narragansett
- White Holland
- Bourbon Red
Characteristically, Thanksgiving turkey has brown features with buff-colored feathers on the tip of wings and on its tail. Male turkey is known as 'tom' and the female is known as 'hen'. Tom turkey is bright with colorful plumage and is also bigger than other birds. Hen is drab in color and comparatively smaller turkey.
There are many different kinds of recipes also prepared from Thanksgiving Turkey. The traditional Turkey roast, stuffed turkey, grilled turkey or deep fried turkey is served on the Thanksgiving table. People love the turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce. These are the most common dishes.
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