40 Thanksgiving Questions and Answers: Feast Your Mind on Turkey Day Trivia

Thanksgiving, a beloved holiday celebrated with family, friends, and a bountiful feast, has deep historical roots and cherished traditions. From the iconic turkey centrepiece to the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, this holiday holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Whether you're a seasoned Thanksgiving aficionado or a newcomer to the turkey table, this article is your guide to exploring the history, customs, and fun facts that make Thanksgiving a truly special occasion.

Thanksgiving History Questions and Answers

Q: Which U.S. president proclaimed Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863?
A: President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War.
Q: What was the original date of the first Thanksgiving celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621?
A: The original Thanksgiving celebration took place over three days in late November 1621.
Q: Who were the Native American people who shared the first Thanksgiving feast with the Pilgrims?
A: The Wampanoag tribe, led by Chief Massasoit, joined the Pilgrims for the first Thanksgiving.
Q: Which state was the first to adopt Thanksgiving as an annual holiday in 1817?
A: New York was the first state to officially declare Thanksgiving a holiday in 1817.
Q: What year did the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in New York City?
A: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debuted in 1924.

Thanksgiving Traditions Questions and Answers

Q: Why is turkey the traditional main dish for Thanksgiving?
A: Turkey was readily available to early settlers and became a symbol of the plentiful harvest.
Q: What are the three most common pies served on Thanksgiving?
A: Pumpkin, pecan, and apple pies are the traditional Thanksgiving pie trifecta.
Q: Why do Americans watch football on Thanksgiving Day?
A: Football games on Thanksgiving have been a tradition since the late 19th century, providing entertainment for the family.
Q: What is the significance of the wishbone tradition?
A: Breaking the wishbone is a tradition that dates back to the Romans and is believed to bring good luck to the person who gets the larger piece.
Q: What is the purpose of the presidential pardon for a Thanksgiving turkey?
A: The tradition of pardoning a turkey began with President Abraham Lincoln, but it became an official White House ceremony in 1947. It symbolizes mercy and spares a turkey from becoming a holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Food Questions and Answers

Q: What are the primary ingredients of a classic stuffing or dressing recipe?
A: Classic stuffing or dressing includes bread cubes, onions, celery, butter, and various seasonings.
Q: What is the main difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
A: Sweet potatoes have orange flesh and a sweet flavor, while yams have a starchy texture and are less sweet.
Q: What is the purpose of a baster when cooking a Thanksgiving turkey?
A: A baster is used to drizzle the turkey with its own juices to keep it moist during roasting.
Q: Why do cranberries often make an appearance at Thanksgiving dinners?
A: Cranberries are native to North America and have been part of Thanksgiving meals since the 17th century.
Q: What is the role of gravy in a Thanksgiving meal?
A: Gravy is a savory sauce made from meat drippings and is used to enhance the flavors of turkey and side dishes.

Thanksgiving Parades and Events Questions and Answers

Q: In which city does the second-largest Thanksgiving parade in the United States take place?
A: The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is the second-largest in the country.
Q: What is the significance of the giant balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: The giant balloons made their debut in 1927, replacing live animals from previous parades.
Q: Which famous department store sponsors the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?
A: The Macy's department store sponsors the annual parade.
Q: What is the traditional beverage served during the Thanksgiving meal?
A: Apple cider or cranberry juice is often served as a traditional Thanksgiving beverage.
Q: In which city does the Thanksgiving tradition of the "Turkey Trot" take place?
A: The Turkey Trot is a popular Thanksgiving Day race held in various cities across the United States.

Thanksgiving Fun Facts Questions and Answers

Q: How many towns in the United States have "Turkey" in their name?
A: There are four towns in the United States with "Turkey" in their name: Turkey, Texas; Turkey Creek, Louisiana; Turkey, North Carolina; and Turkey, Arkansas.
Q: What is the world record for the largest pumpkin pie ever baked?
A: The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed over 3,699 pounds and was baked in Ohio in 2010.
Q: Which U.S. state produces the most cranberries each year?
A: Wisconsin is the largest cranberry-producing state in the United States.
Q: How many feathers does a mature turkey typically have?
A: A mature turkey has approximately 3,500 feathers.
Q: What is the estimated number of calories consumed by the average American on Thanksgiving Day?
A: The average American consumes about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Movies and Entertainment Questions and Answers

Q: Which animated film tells the story of a turkey who goes back in time to prevent Thanksgiving from becoming a holiday?
A: "Free Birds" is the animated film with this quirky premise.
Q: What is the title of the 1987 John Hughes film centered around Thanksgiving?
A: The film is called "Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
Q: What famous rock band performed a Thanksgiving concert in 1976 that became a legendary event?
A: The band "The Band" performed their farewell concert, "The Last Waltz," on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, featuring guest appearances by numerous music icons.
Q: Which iconic TV show features a memorable Thanksgiving episode titled "The One with All the Thanksgivings"?
A: "Friends" is the TV show with this classic Thanksgiving episode.
Q: What is the name of the famous Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special that first aired in 1973?
A: The special is called "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving."

Thanksgiving Around the World Questions and Answers

Q: Which country celebrates a similar holiday called "Canadian Thanksgiving"?
A: Canada celebrates its own Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.
Q: What is the traditional Thanksgiving meal in Japan?
A: In Japan, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is often enjoyed as a Christmas meal, thanks to a successful marketing campaign that associated it with the holiday.
Q: Which country celebrates Thanksgiving with a national holiday on the first Monday in October?
A: Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Monday in October.
Q: In which country is Thanksgiving Day celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, similar to the United States?
A: Liberia, a West African nation, celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
Q: What is the traditional Thanksgiving dish in South Korea?
A: In South Korea, people enjoy a holiday called "Chuseok," which features traditional dishes like songpyeon (rice cakes) and various vegetables.

Thanksgiving Trivia and Facts Questions and Answers

Q: What is the official nickname for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, known for its high volume of travelers?
A: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is often called "Black Wednesday" due to the heavy traffic and travel rush.
Q: What is the purpose of the "pilgrim" buckle often depicted on Thanksgiving decorations?
A: The buckle is a common but historically inaccurate symbol, representing fashion from a later period than the Pilgrims.
Q: What is the estimated number of turkeys consumed in the United States on Thanksgiving Day?
A: Approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
Q: What is the "Thanksgiving Effect" in psychology, also known as "Turkey Syndrome"?
A: The "Thanksgiving Effect" refers to the phenomenon where people feel drowsy and content after a large Thanksgiving meal, often attributed to turkey's tryptophan content.
Q: What is the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States, predating the Macy's Parade?
A: The oldest Thanksgiving Day parade is the Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, which began in 1920.

Conclusion on Thanksgiving Questions and Answers

With answers to these 40 Thanksgiving questions, you're now well-equipped to celebrate this cherished holiday with a deeper understanding of its history, traditions, and fun facts. As you gather around the table with loved ones, savouring the delicious meal and sharing gratitude, remember the rich tapestry of Thanksgiving's past and the countless reasons we have to be thankful in the present. Happy Thanksgiving!

40 Thanksgiving Questions and Answers: Feast Your Mind on Turkey Day Trivia - Trivia Plane (2024)