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Thanksgiving Day by the numbers: 10 mind-stuffing facts

Data from the Census and other sources provide some numerical insights into Thanksgiving, arguably the most cherished national holiday.

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Joanne Ciccarello/The Christian Science Monitor
In this 2006 file photo, actors and historians recreate an early colonial village including the types of meals that were prepared at Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Mass. In this case, 17th century puddings were actually meat preparations, such as sausages.

Ring a bell? That's the year the Pilgrim newcomers to America celebrated their harvest after a year of challenges, alongside the local Wampanoag Indians. 

The website of the current day Plimoth Plantation (a living history venue in Massachusetts) says the feasting and "sport" (recreation) was "not merely a revel; it was also a joyous outpouring of gratitude" by the Christians from Europe. And for the Wampanoag, "Giving thanks for the Creator’s gifts had always been a part of ... daily life" and of celebrations.

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