Reasons For Having Turkey As The National Mascot?

Benjamin Franklin was a prominent figure in American history, particularly during the centennial of the United States. He was known for his belief that the turkey should be the national bird instead of the eagle. In a 1784 letter to his daughter Sarah, Franklin wrote that the story about Franklin wanting the turkey as the national bird was a myth. This false story began due to a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter criticizing the original eagle design for the Great Seal.

In fact, both the turkey and the bald eagle are native to the Americas, but if the issue is a bird that represents our nation, Americans can’t really lay exclusive. Franklin did float the idea that a turkey might be a better bird for a national symbol, but only within the context that people were claiming the bald eagle.

Franklin considered the turkey “a much more respectable bird” and “a true original native of America”. However, he had his chance in 1776 to argue in favor of the turkey as the featured bird on the Great Seal, which he declined to do. In 1775, he actually proposed that the rattlesnake should be the national bird.

Despite the controversy surrounding the turkey’s status as the national bird, Franklin remained a respected and original Native American. He believed that the turkey was a stone cold killer, with a rigid social structure likely originating from wild turkeys. The eagle remains the national symbol, but the turkey is what’s in our hearts and on our Thanksgiving table.


📹 The turkey should have been the American national bird

Benjamin Franklin thought that the Bald Eagle was an immoral bird, and unworthy of he American character.


What does turkey symbolize on Thanksgiving?

Hale’s concept of the perfect Thanksgiving featured a turkey as a symbol of a nation’s wealth and ability to provide for its citizens. Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns, explains that the turkey is a creation myth that was invented to symbolize America’s prowess. The tradition was strengthened when President Ronald Reagan began pardoning turkeys in jest to avoid journalists’ questions about the Iran-Contra scandal. Davis notes that the turkey tradition has continued to this day, with the turkey being seen as a symbol of America’s prowess and national origin myth.

Why is turkey the animal for Thanksgiving?

Queen Elizabeth received news about the turkey being the national bird of the United States, leading some early settlers to roast a turkey instead. The wild turkey, a native bird of North America, was considered more suitable than the bald eagle, but the bald eagle became the national emblem in 1782. The turkey has one day dedicated to Thanksgiving, unlike the bald eagle, which is America’s bird 364 days a year.

Why is Turkey called Turkey?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is Turkey called Turkey?

The name “turkey” in English likely originated from the introduction of turkeys to Britain by merchants trading with Turkey, who later referred to them as turkey coqs or turkey-cocks. This name was later applied to domesticated turkeys, which resembled guinea fowl native to Madagascar. The genus Meleagris, introduced by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, is derived from the Ancient Greek word “guineafowl”.

The wild turkey is the type species. Turkeys belong to the Phasianidae family, which includes pheasants, partridges, francolins, junglefowl, and grouse. They are close relatives of the grouse and are classified in the tribe Tetraonini.

How did the turkey become the national symbol of Thanksgiving?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How did the turkey become the national symbol of Thanksgiving?

The turkey’s preeminence in Thanksgiving celebrations can be attributed to Sarah Joseph Hale, the “Godmother of Thanksgiving”, who emphasized roast turkeys in early New England celebrations. The turkey’s large size and its role in English feasts also contributed to its popularity. Benjamin Franklin considered the turkey a more respectable bird than the Bald Eagle, making it a fitting entrée for one of the most American holidays. The turkey arrived at the forefather’s tables through a parade of thousands of turkeys, which were often seen walking down country roads to urban markets before Thanksgiving.

Vermont turkeys hiked to Boston, Kentucky and Tennessee turkeys marched into Richmond, and some Western birds even drove thousands of miles between Missouri and Colorado. The turkey’s significance in Thanksgiving celebrations is a topic of debate among historians.

How did the Turkey become the national symbol of Thanksgiving?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How did the Turkey become the national symbol of Thanksgiving?

The turkey’s preeminence in Thanksgiving celebrations can be attributed to Sarah Joseph Hale, the “Godmother of Thanksgiving”, who emphasized roast turkeys in early New England celebrations. The turkey’s large size and its role in English feasts also contributed to its popularity. Benjamin Franklin considered the turkey a more respectable bird than the Bald Eagle, making it a fitting entrée for one of the most American holidays. The turkey arrived at the forefather’s tables through a parade of thousands of turkeys, which were often seen walking down country roads to urban markets before Thanksgiving.

Vermont turkeys hiked to Boston, Kentucky and Tennessee turkeys marched into Richmond, and some Western birds even drove thousands of miles between Missouri and Colorado. The turkey’s significance in Thanksgiving celebrations is a topic of debate among historians.

What does the Turkey animal symbolize?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What does the Turkey animal symbolize?

Turkeys are not just a Thanksgiving food source, but also serve as symbols of prosperity, harvest, and family. They symbolize the earth’s nourishment and the importance of familial and platonic relationships. Turkeys are hard workers and proud members of their social order, caring for their flock and maintaining a safe place to roost. A turkey sighting may indicate appreciation for efforts at home or work.

Despite being often insulted as “unwise”, turkeys are actually intelligent, with Native American tribes believing they have a strong intuition for the future, particularly related to weather events. Turkeys are a symbol of family, work ethic, and the importance of valuing the earth’s resources.

Why is turkey a symbol for Thanksgiving?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is turkey a symbol for Thanksgiving?

The turkey’s preeminence in Thanksgiving celebrations can be attributed to Sarah Joseph Hale, the “Godmother of Thanksgiving”, who emphasized roast turkeys in early New England celebrations. The turkey’s large size and its role in English feasts also contributed to its popularity. Benjamin Franklin considered the turkey a more respectable bird than the Bald Eagle, making it a fitting entrée for one of the most American holidays. The turkey arrived at the forefather’s tables through a parade of thousands of turkeys, which were often seen walking down country roads to urban markets before Thanksgiving.

Vermont turkeys hiked to Boston, Kentucky and Tennessee turkeys marched into Richmond, and some Western birds even drove thousands of miles between Missouri and Colorado. The turkey’s significance in Thanksgiving celebrations is a topic of debate among historians.

What is the national animal of Turkey?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What is the national animal of Turkey?

The gray wolf has been considered a sacred and national animal throughout Turkic history, with the most important reason being the mythology of descent from a gray wolf. The Bozkurt is also used as a symbol of nationalists in Turkey but was originally a mythological symbol of entire Turkic national families worldwide. It was declared a national symbol by Atatürk and used in many places. In the first years of the Republic, gray wolf pictures were printed on Turkish banknotes.

The Ottoman Empire’s first military campaigns began in 1927 under the Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı, with the Ottoman Empire’s armies being fought against the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire’s armies included the Oghuz menkıbesini, the Ottoman Empire’s armas, and the Ottoman Empire’s harbes. The Ottoman Empire’s armies were based on the Ottoman Empire’s armas, and the Ottoman Empire’s armies were based on the Ottoman Empire’s armas.

The Ottoman Empire’s military campaigns were led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was responsible for the creation of the Ottoman Empire’s armas. The Ottoman Empire’s military campaigns were aimed at preventing the Ottoman Empire from gaining control of the Ottoman Empire.

In the early years of the Republic, gray wolf pictures were printed on Turkish banknotes. The Ottoman Empire’s military campaigns were influenced by the Ottoman Empire’s military strategy, which included the use of the wolf as a symbol of their national identity. The Ottoman Empire’s military campaigns were a significant part of the nation’s identity and cultural heritage.

Why is Turkey the Thanksgiving mascot?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why is Turkey the Thanksgiving mascot?

Turkeys are often synonymous with Thanksgiving due to their association with the first Thanksgiving meal. The origins of turkey domestication can be traced back to Native Americans in the United States and Mexico, who domesticated turkeys twice in North America. The first domestication occurred by the Anasazi in the southwest United States and the Aztecs, who found turkeys and brought them back to Spain. The turkey also spread throughout Europe when people arrived in the 1600s in the Northeast.

A meal shared between Pilgrim settlers at Plymouth colony and local Wampanoag Native Americans in late 1621 is documented by Edward Winslow as providing wild “fowl”, which could have been turkeys, native to Massachusetts. Historians believe it was likely ducks or geese. William Bradford, a fellow colonist, mentioned a “great store of wild Turkies” at Plymouth that fall. This connection between turkeys and the national holiday was cemented into American culture when Winslow’s letter and Bradford’s comments were reprinted in an 1856 collection of Plymouth writing.

The ambiguity of the first meal at Plymouth is further complicated by the similarities between turkeys and other gallinaceous birds. Chickens and turkeys are closely related, belonging to the same family. Gallinaceous birds, such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, peacocks, and guineas, are unique birds with colorful feathers, big displays, and unusual sounds. The gobble of a turkey is a common sight in these birds.

Why did Benjamin Franklin want the turkey to be the national bird?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why did Benjamin Franklin want the turkey to be the national bird?

The myth about Benjamin Franklin wanting the National Bird to be a turkey is a fabrication. This false narrative originated from a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter criticizing the original eagle design for the Great Seal, claiming it looked more like a turkey. Franklin argued that the bald eagle was a bad moral character and lazy, while the turkey was considered a more respectable and original Native American bird.

Despite defending the turkey’s honor against the bald eagle, Franklin did not propose it become one of America’s most important symbols. Franklin’s quotes and paraphrases have been widely attributed to him, but he did not always say everything attributed to him.

Did Thomas Jefferson want the turkey to be the national bird?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Did Thomas Jefferson want the turkey to be the national bird?

The Smithsonian Magazine, Gizmodo, Constitution Daily, and Boston 1775 have all published articles discussing the myths surrounding Benjamin Franklin’s turkey and the Presidential Seal. Some of these articles argue that the Founding Fathers did not intend for the turkey to become the national symbol.


📹 Turkey (country) VS Turkey (animal)

TURKISH SANDER!! MOST ACCURATE!! learn the vital differences between the human and animal kingdom NOW Music: …


Reasons For Having Turkey As The National Mascot
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Pramod Shastri

I am Astrologer Pramod Shastri, dedicated to helping people unlock their potential through the ancient wisdom of astrology. Over the years, I have guided clients on career, relationships, and life paths, offering personalized solutions for each individual. With my expertise and profound knowledge, I provide unique insights to help you achieve harmony and success in life.

Address: Sector 8, Panchkula, Hryana, PIN - 134109, India.
Phone: +91 9988051848, +91 9988051818
Email: [email protected]

About me

3 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • 0:14 Ok so in 1881 Thessaloniki was Selanik and it was Ottoman land. He was a “Yörük” Turk whose family probably migrated to the region to “Turkify” it probably between 15th-16th century when the Ottomans placed rural peasants into the regions to create a muslim community. Atatürk was indeed born in Greek lands, however he was a minority in a majority culture and saw Greek nationalism, Greek political violence, and was overall the best General of the early 20th Century. (If anyone reacts with nerd emote I am going to find you.)

  • Barbers and population seem to be correct. Thessaloniki was a part of Ottoman Empire, in case you guys use it against Turks. Even though it’s only a joke but people tend to learn countries by such articles and this article is one inch away from being a propaganda tool. And do you know what’s worse, turkish people in the comment section claim that this article is accurate.

  • When Mustafa Kemal was born the Selanik (thessaloniki) was part of the ottoman empire and there were a great persentege of turks there and Atatürk and his family were there because of some program that ottomans used to make the invaded lands last longer. After a while the french revolution hit and and Selanik being a multi national city got in trouble and then the Balkan Wars happend and the ottomans were pushed back to edirne and lost selanik. So no Atatürk is not a turk and no i do not have any beef with greece i just wanted to talk about this cuz Atatürk is really special for most of the turkish population and calling him greek is really wrong

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy