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A short history of the 'turkey pardon,' the White House's weirdest Thanksgiving tradition

Sarah JacobsNov 24, 2016, 20:48 IST

Reuters Photographer

Every year, before the President of the United States can sit down and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with his family, he must go through the odd tradition of "pardoning" the turkey that won't be eaten.

While the reason behind the tradition is still a bit of a mystery, the White House traces it all the way back to President Lincoln in 1863.

However, more than 100 years would pass until a president - John F. Kennedy - formally pardoned a turkey on the White House grounds. Below, a quick history of the odd White House tradition.