Don’t forget to set aside that wishbone today – you know, turkey’s V-shaped breast bone believed to have magical powers.
So, where exactly did that ritual of wishing on a wishbone originate?
According to HowStuffWorks.com, the tradition began around 700 BCE among an ancient civilization known as the Etruscans, who believed birds could predict the future. After slaughtering a chicken, they would preserve the wishbone by drying it in the sun. Anyone who passed by would then pick it up and stroke it, hoping to gain the bird’s mythical powers.
Later, this practice was passed to the Romans. But during that time, chickens were scarce, so believers would crack the wishbone in half, giving more people access to its good fortune. Ultimately, the ritual was passed to the British, who then carried it with them to the New World.
Now here we are, still calling it a wishbone. Really, it’s just a furcula bone. Nevertheless, dear readers, we wish you the most magical Thanksgiving!
If you’re tuning into the annual Macy’s parade, which airs from 9 a.m. to noon today, be warned: If the forecast for high winds holds, the most famous balloons in America might get grounded.
And, remember when we told you about our annual wrapping paper design contest, when we invite students grades 1-5 to create an original design? The winning entry is then turned into actual wrapping paper and delivered with our daily newspaper on Dec. 8.
The judges have now chosen a winning design, but you still get a say! Vote now for the Readers’ Choice award!
Finally, comedian Dave Chappelle will headline a one-night-only show at the Tivoli Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 12. Tickets went on sale yesterday, and our guess is they won’t last long.