Happy Thanksgiving 2023: 'Pardoning' a turkey, what this means

Happy Thanksgiving 2023: US President Joe Biden takes part in the National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon.

The age-old tradition of pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving is ingrained in American culture and symbolizes compassion and mercy during a holiday dedicated to gratitude.

The concept of pardoning a turkey can be traced back to the early 20th century, with records suggesting that it may have unofficially started with President Abraham Lincoln, who spared his son's pet turkey from becoming the main course at the family's Thanksgiving dinner. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that the idea took a more formal turn.

The first documented turkey pardon ceremony occurred in 1947 when President Harry Truman received a turkey as a gift from the National Turkey Federation. Since then, this tradition has been upheld by nearly every US president, evolving into an annual event that captures the nation's attention.

The turkey pardon also serves as a symbolic gesture and reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving by emphasizing the values of mercy and kindness, even towards those traditionally associated with the centrepiece of the Thanksgiving feast.

Historically, the turkey has been a symbol of abundance and communal celebration. Native to North America, the wild turkey was a staple in the diets of Indigenous peoples long before the arrival of European settlers.

As European colonists adopted local culinary traditions, the turkey became a featured player in the early Thanksgiving feasts. Its affordability and suitability for large gatherings made it a natural choice, eventually solidifying its place as the iconic centrepiece of the Thanksgiving meal.

Today, the Thanksgiving turkey remains a beloved culinary tradition, with families across the United States coming together to share a festive meal. From the perfectly roasted bird to creative variations like deep-frying and brining, the preparation of the Thanksgiving turkey has become an art form, reflecting the diversity of American culinary practices.

Thanksgiving is being celebrated on November 23 this year in the US.