National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation
National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation
The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a charming and unique American tradition that takes place annually at the White House. This ceremony involves the President of the United States symbolically pardoning a live turkey, sparing it from being served as part of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving itself is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. It is a time when families gather to enjoy a meal, traditionally centered around a large roasted turkey. The holiday has its origins in early colonial history, with the first Thanksgiving being celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621.
Origin of the Turkey Presentation
The tradition of presenting a turkey to the president dates back to the 19th century, but it was not until the late 20th century that the turkey consistently received a presidential pardon. The custom became formalized in 1989 when President George H.W. Bush used the term "pardon" during the ceremony. Since then, the National Turkey Federation, which represents the turkey industry, has played a key role in organizing the event.
The Ceremony
The ceremony is held in the White House Rose Garden, where the president is presented with a live turkey. Often, a backup turkey is also brought to ensure that the event goes smoothly. The turkeys are usually named, sometimes through a public contest. The birds are selected for their appearance and temperament to ensure they can handle the attention and crowd during the event.
Presidential Pardoning
The act of pardoning the turkey is symbolic and humorous, reflecting the light-hearted spirit of the holiday. After the ceremony, the pardoned turkeys are often taken to live out the rest of their lives in a designated sanctuary or farm.
Related Traditions
Other Thanksgiving traditions include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, Thanksgiving football games, and the preparation of various side dishes and desserts, such as cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.