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Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz

Thanksgiving is almost here, and with it comes the season of good food, great company, and family traditions that go back generations. Whether you're getting ready to feast on some classic turkey and stuffing or just looking forward to relaxing with family, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food on our plates. It's a time for reflecting on what we're grateful for, celebrating tradition, and—maybe—learning a thing or two about this American holiday's roots.

But, how much do you actually know about Thanksgiving? Sure, we've all seen turkeys and heard stories about Pilgrims and Native Americans gathering together for a meal, but the history and traditions are deeper than you might think. Did you know that Thanksgiving wasn't always a national holiday? Or that some foods we consider Thanksgiving staples today weren't even part of the original feast? Get ready to gobble up some fascinating facts and see if you can ace this Thanksgiving trivia quiz!

The History of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving as we know it has its origins in 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people came together for a three-day feast to celebrate the harvest. While the exact details are a bit murky, this gathering is often considered the first Thanksgiving. Over the years, Thanksgiving evolved, eventually becoming an official U.S. holiday in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln. He established it as a way to unite the country during the Civil War.

The Thanksgiving Menu

One of the most popular parts of Thanksgiving is the food, but the dishes we serve today might surprise you! Here's a quick look at some of the original foods compared to what we often see on tables now:

• Original menu: The first Thanksgiving likely included deer (venison), wild fowl (possibly duck or goose), seafood like shellfish, and native crops such as corn, beans, and squash.
• Modern menu: Today, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are standard Thanksgiving fare. These traditions took root over time, and each family often adds their own twist to the meal.

The "Turkey Day" spread we enjoy now didn't solidify until the 19th century when people began including items like stuffing and sweet potatoes. Today, each dish is celebrated, and we all have our favorite side dishes that we look forward to year after year.

Thanksgiving Traditions

There are plenty of traditions that make Thanksgiving special. Here are some classic Thanksgiving activities that might look familiar:

• Parades: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City started in 1924 and has become a national Thanksgiving morning tradition, watched by millions.
• Football: Watching football on Thanksgiving Day became a popular tradition in the 1920s, with the NFL scheduling games on the holiday each year.
• Decorations: Cornucopias, pumpkins, and autumn-themed décor bring out the spirit of Thanksgiving. The cornucopia, or "horn of plenty," is one of the holiday's oldest symbols and represents abundance.

Thanksgiving FAQs

What was the original purpose of Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving started as a harvest celebration, where early settlers and Native Americans gave thanks for a successful crop season. Over time, it became a day of gratitude and family gathering.

Why do people eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
There's no definitive reason, but turkey likely became the star because it was readily available and large enough to feed a crowd. Wild turkey was common in colonial America, and it gradually became the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast.

What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when stores offer significant sales to kick off the holiday shopping season. Many people wake up early or even camp out to snag the best deals.

What's In This Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz

As you go through the quiz, you'll see questions about Thanksgiving history, food, and fun facts. Each time you answer a question, you'll unlock a tidbit that teaches you more about this holiday. Here's a peek at some of the quiz topics you'll come across:

• The story behind the cornucopia: Learn why this "horn of plenty" became a symbol of Thanksgiving.
• Black Friday's rise: Discover why the day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days in the U.S.
• Fun food facts: Find out which foods are typically served at Thanksgiving.

Think you're ready? This quiz is designed for players of all ages, and it's the perfect mix of easy, tricky, and surprising questions to get you in the Thanksgiving spirit. By the end, you'll be well-prepped to impress at the dinner table with some holiday trivia of your own!

How to Take the Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz

Ready to test your Thanksgiving trivia skills? Here's how it works:

1. Answer each question—don't worry if you don't know everything; each answer comes with a brief explanation, so you'll learn as you go.
2. Keep an eye on the leaderboard—if you're a competitive spirit, finish the quiz and see how you rank among other players!
3. Share your score—why not challenge your friends and family to beat your score? It's a fun way to bring everyone together for some holiday trivia!

So, whether you're a Thanksgiving history buff or just someone who loves the holiday, this quiz has something for everyone. We'll take you through questions on the history, traditions, and quirky facts of Thanksgiving. Some of these might surprise you!

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what we have, but it's also a chance to learn a little something new. So, grab a slice of pumpkin pie, hit play, and see how you score. Who knows—you might just become the ultimate Thanksgiving trivia champ!