Where did the Turkey come from?  -- It is mentioned in the new book "The
Virginia Naturalist", a compilation of essays that John Trott wrote for the
newspapers in Loudoun-Fauquier Co area in the late 1990's. On page 327:

The fat turkey on the Thanksgiving table is descended from a race of turkeys
native to Mexico.  When Spanish Conquistadors landed at Vera Cruz in 1519
they encountered an advanced civilization.  Along with Chihuahuas, the
Aztecs bred turkeys for food.  They also ate each other in ritual
cannibalism, but that is another story.

            Protein from meat was rare in ancient Mexico.  The Spaniards
were appalled by cannibalism even if the dish was prepared with chilies and
tomatoes as the Aztecs claimed.  Eating dog meat, no matter how it was
prepared, did not appeal to the Europeans either.  But roast turkey was a
different matter altogether.

            Along with other delicacies from the New World such as vanilla,
chocolate, tomatoes, chili peppers and squash, the domesticated turkey was
taken back to Spain where it was a sensation.

            There was confusion from the start regarding the origin of this
great bird.  It was initially thought that it had originated in Turkey.
Hence, the name we use today.  I do not know what the Aztecs called it
though it probably had at least six syllables with many X's and was
unpronounceable.

            From Spain, turkeys spread to France and across the channel to
England.  The tamed and potentially juicy turkey of Mexico was brought to
North America soon after the Plymouth colony was established in New England.
During the many years of breeding for food, the speed, intelligence and wary
watchfulness were erased from the turkey's behavior. Domesticated turkeys
became fat and stupid.  A few years ago it was common slang to refer to
someone of limited intelligence and unpredictable behavior as a 'turkey'.  I
irritated a number of my young friends by preaching that 'domesticated
turkey' would be more appropriate.  Our native wild turkey ". . . is one
smart bird," I would say.  Usually I was ignored.



Diana Bennett

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