There are many things associated with Thanksgiving such as cornucopias, Turkeys, and abundance of food. Though there are quite a few symbols of Thanksgiving, turkeys often take the forefront. Today, we at Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings would like to further elaborate on turkeys in light of Thanksgiving that is around the corner.

Did the First Thanksgiving Have Turkey?

It is not known with certainty whether it was served at the “First Thanksgiving,” though turkey has become the traditional main course at Thanksgiving dinners. For the pilgrim feast of 1621, there are only two primary sources. For further excerpts on these accounts, you can read them on pilgrimhall.org. The mention of both fowl and deer at the feast was found in a letter by colonist Edward Winslow. Speaking more generally about harvest time, Governor Bradford says, “And besides waterfowl, there was great store of wild turkeys,” in the other source. It is reasonable to assume that turkey was on the table as well, though some historians speculate that deer, duck and geese were the principle meat items on the menu. Attributed largely to the marketing campaigns of the poultry industry, though it was not until the 1860s that the turkey became an American Thanksgiving tradition.

Turkey Name Origin

Scholar Sue Ellen Thompson writes, in regards to how the turkey got its name, the following: “Some say the turkey was named by the late sixteenth century European explorers, who confused it with the European turkey cock, a completely different bird. Others claim that the word comes from the Hebrew tukki, meaning ‘big bird,’ which is what the doctor on Columbus’ ship shouted when he saw one for the first time.”

Wild VS Domestic Turkeys

Turkeys had been taken to England by way of Spain by the mid-1500s and had become an instant hit as a celebratory food, particularly on the Christmas table, as they were already a familiar sight to the English, though turkeys were native to North America. As our national emblem, it has been rumored that Ben Franklin preferred a turkey to a bald eagle. Though somewhat satirically, Franklin did in fact say, “a much more respectable bird, and a true original native of America… a bird of courage.” Wild turkeys are impressive creatures indeed, as they can fly 55 miles per hour and run 30 miles per hour. Domesticated turkeys, however, can neither fly nor run. They can hardly walk, nowadays their breasts are so large, in fact.

Turkey Bird Chainsaw Carvings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Helena, Montana & Nampa, Idaho

When it comes to your Thanksgiving, you can get festive and invest in a chainsaw carved turkey, whether you want one for the yard or for your home, Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings is readily available to deliver exquisite carvings that are unique. Our carver has decades of experience, and all of the carvings are executed with high-quality and precision. Contact us today for your turkey carving and liven up your home. With superior craftsmanship, you can count on enjoying your carved thanksgiving for many years to come. Visit our website or call us today to learn more.