35 Facts About Thanksgiving In Other Countries

Source: Housebeautiful.com

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States, but did you know that other countries have their own unique ways of celebrating gratitude? Thanksgiving in other countries might not involve turkey or pumpkin pie, but the spirit of thankfulness remains universal. From Canada's earlier celebration in October to Germany's Erntedankfest, each nation adds its own twist to this festive occasion. Some countries even have harvest festivals that predate American Thanksgiving by centuries. Curious about how people around the world give thanks? Here are 35 fascinating facts about Thanksgiving in other countries that will broaden your understanding of this global tradition. Get ready to be amazed by the diverse ways gratitude is celebrated worldwide!

Key Takeaways:

Thanksgiving is celebrated in many countries with unique traditions and foods, such as Canada's turkey dinners and Germany's harvest festival. Each culture adds its own twist to the holiday.
Different countries have their own Thanksgiving celebrations, like Japan's focus on labor and production, and India's four-day Pongal festival. It's not just about turkey and mashed potatoes!

Table of Contents

Thanksgiving Around the World

Thanksgiving is often associated with the United States, but many countries have their own unique ways of giving thanks. Here are some fascinating facts about how different cultures celebrate Thanksgiving.

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. It’s a national holiday, and the traditions are quite similar to those in the U.S., including turkey dinners and family gatherings.
Germany has a harvest festival called Erntedankfest. Celebrated in late September or early October, it includes church services, parades, music, and dancing.
Japan observes Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23. This holiday focuses on honoring labor and production, with roots tracing back to ancient harvest rituals.
Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25. This day marks the anniversary of the U.S. military intervention in 1983, and locals show gratitude for the restoration of peace.
Liberia has a Thanksgiving celebration on the first Thursday of November. The holiday reflects the country's historical ties to the United States, with similar foods like turkey and mashed potatoes.

Unique Traditions and Customs

Different countries have their own unique customs and traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving. Here are some interesting ways people celebrate.

In South Korea, Chuseok is a major harvest festival celebrated in September or October. Families honor their ancestors with food offerings and visit their ancestral hometowns.
China celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, it involves mooncakes, lanterns, and family reunions.
Vietnam has Tet Trung Thu, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is similar to China’s celebration. It includes lion dances, mooncakes, and children’s parades.
India celebrates Pongal, a harvest festival in January. It lasts four days and involves cooking a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice.
Malaysia has the Kaamatan Festival, celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people in May. It includes traditional dances, music, and the sharing of rice wine.

Thanksgiving Foods Around the Globe

Food plays a central role in Thanksgiving celebrations worldwide. Here are some traditional dishes from various countries.

In Canada, pumpkin pie and stuffing are staples, just like in the U.S.
Germany features dishes like sauerkraut, sausages, and stuffed cabbage rolls during Erntedankfest.
Japan enjoys dishes like sushi, tempura, and rice cakes during Labor Thanksgiving Day.
Grenada includes local dishes like oil down, a one-pot meal made with breadfruit, salted meat, and coconut milk.
Liberia serves jollof rice, a popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, and spices.

Historical Roots and Modern Celebrations

The history behind Thanksgiving celebrations varies widely across different cultures. Here are some historical and modern insights.

South Korea’s Chuseok dates back to ancient times when people celebrated the harvest moon and gave thanks for a bountiful harvest.
China’s Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, originating from moon worship and harvest celebrations.
Vietnam’s Tet Trung Thu is believed to have started as a way for parents to make up for lost time with their children after the harvest season.
India’s Pongal has been celebrated for over 1,000 years, marking the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s six-month journey northward.
Malaysia’s Kaamatan Festival has roots in ancient rice cultivation rituals, where the spirit of rice is honored and thanked.

Thanksgiving in Unexpected Places

Some countries have adopted Thanksgiving-like celebrations in unexpected ways. Here are a few surprising examples.

In Australia, some American expatriates celebrate Thanksgiving in November, bringing their traditions Down Under.
Brazil has a National Day of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, inspired by the American holiday.
Netherlands celebrates a Thanksgiving service in Leiden to honor the Pilgrims who lived there before sailing to America.
Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific, celebrates Thanksgiving due to American whalers who introduced the holiday in the 19th century.
Philippines has a Thanksgiving-like celebration called Pahiyas Festival in May, where people decorate their homes with colorful rice wafers and other produce.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

Thanksgiving holds deep cultural significance and symbolism in various countries. Here are some examples.

South Korea’s Chuseok symbolizes family unity and respect for ancestors.
China’s Mid-Autumn Festival represents family reunion and harmony, symbolized by the full moon.
Vietnam’s Tet Trung Thu emphasizes children’s happiness and well-being, symbolized by lanterns and mooncakes.
India’s Pongal signifies gratitude for a bountiful harvest and the sun’s life-giving energy.
Malaysia’s Kaamatan Festival symbolizes the cycle of life and the importance of community and sharing.

Modern Adaptations and Influences

Thanksgiving celebrations continue to evolve, influenced by modern trends and global interactions. Here are some modern adaptations.

In Canada, many people now include vegetarian and vegan options in their Thanksgiving meals.
Germany has seen a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable practices during Erntedankfest, such as using locally sourced produce.
Japan incorporates Western-style dishes like roast turkey and pumpkin pie into Labor Thanksgiving Day celebrations.
Grenada blends traditional Thanksgiving foods with local Caribbean flavors, creating a unique fusion cuisine.
Liberia has seen an increase in community-based celebrations, where neighborhoods come together to share food and give thanks.

Thanksgiving Around the Globe

Thanksgiving isn't just an American tradition. Countries like Canada, Germany, Japan, and Liberia have their own versions of giving thanks. Each one has unique customs, foods, and histories. For example, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October with turkey and pumpkin pie, similar to the U.S. Germans have Erntedankfest, a harvest festival with parades and church services. Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day focuses on honoring workers, while Liberia's Thanksgiving reflects its American roots but includes African dishes.

Understanding these diverse celebrations can broaden our appreciation for this holiday. It shows how different cultures express gratitude and come together. Next time you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, remember that people worldwide are also giving thanks in their own special ways. This global perspective can make your own celebration even more meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

QHow do other countries celebrate Thanksgiving, if at all?

Well, not every country marks Thanksgiving like the United States does, but several have their own versions or similar harvest festivals. For instance, Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving in October, a nod to their earlier harvest season. Meanwhile, places like Germany have Erntedankfest, a harvest festival that includes parades and crownings of harvest queens but isn't exactly like the American Thanksgiving.

QIs Thanksgiving a worldwide holiday?

Nope, Thanksgiving is primarily an American holiday, though Canada has its own version. Other countries might have harvest festivals or days of giving thanks, but they don't necessarily celebrate it on the same day or in the same way as in the U.S. or Canada.

QWhat unique traditions are there for Thanksgiving around the globe?

Each country brings its own flair to Thanksgiving or similar celebrations. For example, in Liberia, which was founded by freed American and Caribbean slaves, Thanksgiving includes a church service and dance, and the food is distinctly West African. In Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day is a nod to labor and production rather than a feast day.

QDo all countries eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Far from it! While turkey is the centerpiece in American Thanksgiving meals, other countries have their own traditional dishes. Canadians might also enjoy turkey, but in Germany, for Erntedankfest, you're more likely to find roasted goose or duck on the table.

QCan I celebrate Thanksgiving abroad?

Absolutely! Many expats and travelers celebrate Thanksgiving while abroad, bringing a piece of home with them. Some countries with a significant American population, like the UK or France, have restaurants that offer Thanksgiving dinners. Or, you can always host your own with local twists on traditional dishes.

QWhy do some countries have similar celebrations to Thanksgiving?

Many cultures have a tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty. These celebrations can look similar to Thanksgiving because they're rooted in the same idea of gratitude and feasting, even if they're not directly related to the American holiday.

QHow has Thanksgiving in other countries been influenced by the American version?

In countries with close ties to the United States, such as those with large American expat communities, you might find celebrations that mirror the U.S. Thanksgiving, complete with turkey and all the trimmings. Globalization and cultural exchange have also spread the concept of Thanksgiving, leading some to adopt aspects of the holiday into their own celebrations.

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