Why did turkey become the official meat of thanksgiving?

There's a common misconception that turkey is the official meat of Thanksgiving. While it's certainly the most popular, there's no official decree or historical evidence to support that claim.

Here's why turkey became so popular for Thanksgiving:

* Availability: Turkeys were plentiful in the Americas when the Pilgrims arrived. They were easier to raise and hunt than other large game, making them a practical choice for a celebratory feast.

* Size: Turkeys were large enough to provide a substantial amount of meat for a community gathering.

* Taste: The flavor of turkey was considered palatable and enjoyable by the early settlers.

* Symbolism: The wild turkey, with its large size and striking plumage, became a symbol of abundance and good fortune for the colonists.

It's important to note:

* The first Thanksgiving didn't necessarily feature turkey. While accounts vary, historians believe the first Thanksgiving meal might have included wildfowl, venison, fish, and vegetables.

* Other meats were popular. In the centuries following the first Thanksgiving, other meats like goose, duck, and even pig were common choices for the holiday meal.

* Tradition: The tradition of turkey for Thanksgiving solidified over time, perhaps due to the popularity of the bird in the 19th century.

So, while turkey is the undisputed king of Thanksgiving meals today, it's not officially designated as such. It's simply a delicious and historic tradition that continues to this day!