Flock of turkeys6/23/2023 You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him… I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. “For my own part, I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. Pointing out that the eagle on the badge of the Society of the Cincinnati Medal looked like a turkey, Franklin went on to say: Though it may be a myth that Franklin seriously suggested that turkeys should replace bald eagles as the national bird, in a letter to his daughter, he found favorable comparisons between turkeys and the bald eagle. The virtues of the turkey espoused by Benjamin Franklin resonate with the Christian virtues of protection, honesty, and integrity. ( 5) Turkey Christianity SymbolismĪlthough turkeys do not have a significant role in Christian symbolism via biblical scripture, American Christianity has happily incorporated the turkey as a symbol of the holidays and the gratitude in the heart of the Christian for the plentiful blessings bestowed by God. The Pima people believe that the turkey is a rain spirit. Associations between turkeys and weather phenomena are quite common. In others, the turkey could only predict the weather. In some cases, turkeys were believed to have the power to predict the future. Their feathers are often coveted items of sacred significance. They have many different meanings that vary between people and legends. ![]() Turkeys are very significant animals in Native American traditions. This is, ironically, the opposite of the courageousness that Benjamin Franklin attributes to turkeys in his now famous letter comparing them with bald eagles. To call someone a turkey usually means that they are cowardly or foolish. Turkey is often used as an insult, albeit not a particularly sharp one. So, turkeys are often associated with masculinity, protection, and fatherhood. The dominant male often plays a protective role in the flock. Males squabble over dominance until a hierarchy is established. Male turkeys are much larger and possess the iconic fanned tail that most people picture when they envision turkeys. Turkeys are sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females have different physical appearances. They look after one another, roost together in the evenings, and rely on the safety found in numbers. These birds generally live in large flocks comprised of generations of families with established hierarchies. Like the holidays themselves, the turkey brings people together to share in the spirit of love, cooperation, and thankfulness.įamily and cooperation are apt associations for turkeys. Indulging in a turkey dinner to celebrate the success of the harvest is a tradition in American culture that dates back to the first Thanksgiving.īecause of its role in Thanksgiving, the turkey is also associated with generosity, gratitude, family, and friendship. Turkeys are symbolic of prosperity and plenty, as mentioned above. Perhaps, the next time you sit down to enjoy the taste of a delicious turkey, you will remember with gratitude the unique and fascinating animal who provided it. In this article, we’ll explore the many meanings of the turkey, the historical symbols and myths associated with this beautiful bird, and the spiritual implications connected to turkeys. As a bird that is widespread and adaptable, many Americans interact with turkeys often and may wonder about the wisdom that could be gained from such encounters. ( 2)īesides the obvious connotations of festivity and prosperity, the turkey has many interesting and significant meanings. Though the turkey is not known to have ever been proposed for this role, Benjamin Franklin’s letter in praise of the turkey found this bird to be much nobler than the bald eagle. ( 1) Myths abound regarding turkeys being proposed as a competitor to bald eagles for the title of America’s national bird. In fact, Benjamin Franklin once praised the stalwart turkey for his many favorable qualities. Indeed, the turkey is a bird rich in virtue and in tradition. ![]() ![]() There is much more to the turkey than its central role on the holiday dinner table, though. Every year, millions of Americans sit down to enjoy a turkey dinner surrounded by loved ones and a festive holiday spirit. A large ground-dwelling fowl Native to North America, the turkey has long been associated with prosperity a plentiful harvest meal. The indisputable symbol of Thanksgiving is, of course, the turkey.
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