If there is one thing that Thanksgiving is overflowing with, it is tradition. There are Thanksgiving traditions that are historical and cultural. There are some customs that are specific to your family, and some that are popular by region. Here in Fort Worth, we have a few sacred Southern traditions of our own – and at Bice’s Florist, we love knowing that our floral designs contribute to the colorful festivity of the day.
The Thanksgiving meal itself has been a national tradition since 1863 when Abraham Lincoln made the holiday official. Of course, it was originally inspired by the historic meal shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans at Plymouth Meeting. Although it is disputed that turkey was a part of that meal – venison, lobster and waterfowl were recorded – some modern harvest favorites were likely present at their table, including cranberries and pumpkin. Sadly, this “first ” Thanksgiving would not be an annual event, and it was over 200 years before Lincoln established it as a national celebration.
The reason why turkey is most commonly consumed on Thanksgiving Day is a matter of speculation. Some say that it was simply “a bigger chicken” to accommodate the large family gatherings. Others thought that perhaps they were less utilitarian than a chicken that could give eggs or a cow that could give milk and therefore expendable. Others actually point to the success of Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”, which was published in 1843. In that story, Scrooge generously sends the Cratchit family a large turkey on Christmas Day, perhaps establishing the bird’s reputation as a holiday luxury.
The Deep Fried South
Frying turkeys in a vat of boiling oil is not without its dangers, but that doesn’t stop Southern cooks! In some places, deep fried turkey has eclipsed the traditional bird, ignoring all warnings about dangerous cooking methods and cholesterol-ridden meals. We love it, and it’s delicious.
Of course, in the South football is very nearly a religion! That being the case, one of our favorite traditions is the annual binge watching of football games. Tradition dictates that the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions always play (taking on the Redskins and the Vikings, respectively) and later in the evening, the Steelers and Colts will vie for your post-meal attention. Add in the college football schedule, and Thanksgiving is a football lover’s dream.
When it comes time to decorate for the big holiday, you can trust Bice’s Florist to create the most beautiful Fall designs and Thanksgiving bouquets. Don’t forget to order early to make sure you get exactly what you want! Call us today, and then all you have to worry about is food and football!
