Turkeys will have their day tomorrow, as Harvard professors and students enjoy traditional Thanksgiving dinners in their homes or in the Freshman Union.

Stephan A. Thernstrom, professor of History, said yesterday he didn't know exactly when the tradition of "sumptuous gorging of oneself" began, but "the Pilgrims certainly didn't sit down to a big turkey dinner with Beaujolais and all."

Thernstrom said he will have turkey with chestnut dressing, brandied sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner.

Students who remain at Harvard for Thanksgiving may feast on turkey with all the trimmings, but wine will not be served, Robert C. Wood, assistant manager of the Freshman Union, said yesterday.

The Union staff will prepare celery hearts, radish roses, three kinds of pie and a cornucopia display to add a special holiday touch to the meal, Wood added. Vegetarians may request tuna, or cheese, he added. Wood said he expects about 600 people for dinner tomorrow afternoon.

Most students contacted yesterday said they will find their turkey elsewhere. Paul S. Redford '80 said the people at the Union "do their best," but he would go to a friend's home.

Although Adam B. Ulam, professor of government, is not "a big fan of turkey," he will yield to tradition. "I'll eat whatever my wife gives me," he said.

Dr. Sholem Postel, acting director of Health Services, said Harvard students will naturally protect themselves from indigestion after turkey dinners because they "curl up and vegetate for a while."

"I would never tell anyone not to over eat on Thanksgiving," he added.