Echoes of Appalachia

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and of course, tradition. One of the most cherished and whimsical traditions that many families partake in is the breaking of the turkey wishbone. While we commonly associate this fun custom with Thanksgiving, the roots of the wishbone tradition actually trace back much earlier, to an ancient Italian civilization known as the Etruscans, around 800 BCE. What’s even more fascinating is that, back then, the wishbone wasn’t from a turkey or even a bird we associate with Thanksgiving; it was from chickens. And rather than the modern-day ritual of breaking the bone to make a wish, the Etruscans had a different approach.

But no matter its origins, today the wishbone tradition has evolved, especially in American households during Thanksgiving. In my own family, growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, it was a ritual I looked forward to every year. As far back as I can remember, my mother and grandmother would gather us around the dinner table after the feast, making it a part of the evening’s fun. They would flip two coins and, depending on who won, that person would get to pull the wishbone.

It was a simple act but filled with joy and anticipation. Whoever pulled the larger piece, of course, got to make a wish. I vividly recall one year when I wished for a bicycle for Christmas. Of course, the bicycle didn’t magically appear under the tree that December. In fact, I didn’t get one until five years later. But that didn’t matter. The true magic was in the moment of hope and excitement, in the shared tradition, and in the dreams we all had for the future.

For me, the wishbone wasn’t just about hoping for a tangible gift, like a bicycle. It was about the possibility—the simple joy of imagining what could be, and sharing that feeling with loved ones. The tradition brought the family together and allowed us to dream a little bigger, even if those dreams didn’t always come true as quickly as we hoped.

What’s remarkable about this tradition is how it has persisted for centuries, evolving over time but still holding onto that sense of wonder. Today, many families still use the turkey wishbone as a way to make light-hearted wishes, but it also serves as a beautiful reminder of the many other traditions that come with Thanksgiving. Whether it’s gathering around the table, sharing stories of gratitude, or engaging in other customs passed down through generations, these moments are the heart of what makes Thanksgiving special.

As the years go by, I often reflect on those moments with my family—those fun wishbone games and the laughter that came with them. And while the bicycle I wished for may have taken five years to come true, the memories of those Thanksgiving evenings continue to shape the way I celebrate today. The wishbone tradition, in all its simple joy, is a beautiful reminder that no matter where you are, or what you wish for, there’s something special about taking a moment to dream, to wish, and to be grateful for the family and traditions that fill our lives with warmth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Tim Carmichael