Why do Americans eat turkeys on Thanksgiving Day and pardon a turkey?

Thanksgiving is a traditional festival in western countries. At that time, there will be a three-day holiday and family reunion. At the festival banquet, there is an indispensable special dish-"roast turkey". Why do you eat turkey on Thanksgiving? This starts with the origin of Thanksgiving. 1620, a group of Puritans who advocated reform in Britain withdrew from the state religion and became independent Protestants because their ideals and ambitions could not be realized, which aroused the hatred of British politicians. These Puritans could not bear the persecution and discrimination of the rulers, and traveled across the ocean to prepare for exile in the United States. The ship drifted at sea for 65 days, and finally reached the east coast of the United States and landed in Provis, Rhode Island. At that time, it was still a desolate virgin land, and wild animals such as turkeys could be seen everywhere. It's cold winter now, and they come to a strange place, lacking clothes and food, and the harsh environment threatens their lives. At this critical moment, the local Indians sent them food, daily necessities and production tools, and helped them build their own new homes. In order to thank the Indians who helped and supported them in times of crisis, and also to thank God for their "gifts", on the fourth Thursday of 10, 165438, the hunted turkey was made into delicious food, and the Indians were warmly treated. The celebration lasted for three days.

Since then, this kind of celebration will be held every year on the fourth Thursday of June165438+1October. In addition to entertaining Indians to eat roast turkey, sports competitions such as archery, running and wrestling are also held together, and singing and dancing around the bonfire at night are enjoyable.

2. The annual ceremony for the president to release turkeys began during the administration of 1947 President Truman, but in fact this traditional ceremony can be traced back to the administration of President Lincoln during the American Civil War. /kloc-one day in 0/863, Lincoln's son Ted suddenly broke into the cabinet meeting and demanded pardon for a pet turkey named Jack, because the turkey sent to the White House was about to become a Thanksgiving dinner.

Bush pardons bird turkey. On June 22, 2006, Bush pardoned a turkey named "Bird" at the Thanksgiving release ceremony held in the White House Rose Garden.

As for why, it is estimated that it is to express his ruling thought of "benevolent government", care for the heart of life and win the hearts of the people.