Its been an official federal holiday since Abraham Lincoln declared it so in 1863.

Read on for a bit of history about where this tradition came from.

What Is a Wishbone?

two hands holding turkey wishbone

JodiJacobson / Getty Images.

Its a V-shaped bone that lies between a birds neck and sternum.

It’s similar to our collarbones but more elastic.

Wash the bone with soap and water.

A couple centuries later, the Romans came to town and picked up the practice.

When the turkey became closely linked to Thanksgiving in the 1800s, the wishbone game came along with it.

Which Side of the Wishbone Wins?

When the wishbone breaks, the individual with the centerpiece is said to have their wish come true.

Also, theyre harvested in fall, making them an in-season addition to the feast.

About 170 years later, the first recipe resembling pumpkin pie as we know it was published in 1796.

By the 19th century pumpkin pie becamethe unofficial dessert of the holiday.

has been going strong ever since.