Unconventional U.S. Thanksgiving- 10 Baffling Facts About America’s Oddball Holiday Celebrations

Have you ever wondered about the strange and unusual aspects of Thanksgiving? While most people are familiar with the traditional aspects of this festive holiday, there are plenty of weird Thanksgiving facts that might surprise you. From bizarre traditions to unexpected historical events, let’s dive into some of the most peculiar tidbits about this beloved American celebration.

One of the most intriguing weird Thanksgiving facts is the origin of the holiday itself. Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving was not always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. In fact, the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621, but it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. Moreover, the date of the holiday has changed several times throughout history, with the current date being established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.

Another fascinating weird Thanksgiving fact is the turkey’s role in the holiday. While most people associate Thanksgiving with a turkey dinner, the first Thanksgiving feast featured a variety of meats, including deer, fowl, and fish. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the turkey became the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal. Additionally, the size of the modern-day turkey has increased dramatically, with some birds weighing as much as 40 pounds!

One of the most bizarre weird Thanksgiving facts involves the “Thanksgiving Day Parade.” This annual event, which originated in 1924, has become a staple of the holiday. However, what many people don’t know is that the first parade floats were actually made of live animals, including elephants, bears, and even camels. These animals were kept in pens on the parade route and sometimes caused chaos among the crowd.

Another interesting weird Thanksgiving fact is the “Turkey Trot,” a running event that has been held on Thanksgiving Day since 1896. The first Turkey Trot was organized in Buffalo, New York, and has since become a popular tradition in many cities across the United States. The event serves as a fun way to burn off some of those extra calories consumed during the holiday feast.

One of the most unusual weird Thanksgiving facts revolves around the food itself. While we all enjoy indulging in classic Thanksgiving dishes like mashed potatoes, gravy, and pie, there are some bizarre variations that have been tried over the years. For example, some people have attempted to make a “Thanksgiving” feast with non-traditional ingredients, such as pizza and ice cream. While these may not be the most traditional choices, they certainly add a unique twist to the holiday spirit.

Lastly, a fascinating weird Thanksgiving fact is the “Thanksgiving Football Game.” While football is often associated with Super Bowl Sunday, the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1869. This game, which was between Rutgers and Princeton, marked the beginning of intercollegiate football. Since then, the holiday has become synonymous with the annual Thanksgiving Day football games, with teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers often playing in high-profile matchups.

As you can see, there are plenty of weird Thanksgiving facts that add an extra layer of intrigue to this beloved holiday. From the bizarre origins of the holiday to the unconventional traditions and food, these peculiar tidbits remind us that Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, laughter, and, of course, a few surprises along the way.