What Are Some Thanksgiving Traditions Around The World?
It’s a time for Americans to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to spend quality time with family and friends. It's a holiday that emphasizes gratitude, togetherness, and reflection on the things that truly matter in life.
Today, it is celebrated with many traditions like family gatherings, parades, Thanksgiving feasts, and football.
While it is not widely celebrated in the same way in other parts of the world, there are similar harvest and gratitude festivals in various cultures.
Here Are Some Ways That Thanksgiving Is Celebrated Around The World:
----- Canada -----
Thanksgiving in Canada, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is similar to the American Thanksgiving. Families gather for a feast featuring roast turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Canadians also use the occasion to express gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
----- Brazil -----
The Thanksgiving Day in Brazil is commemorated on the fourth Thursday of November. 'Dia de Acao de Gracas', means Thanksgiving Day in Portuguese. In Brazil, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated to express gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty for the abundant harvest throughout the year and for all his blessings. The Thanksgiving Day in Brazil is also known for its huge carnival.
----- Philippines -----
With the Filipinos and Americans sharing part of history and culture when the Philippines was colonized by the Americans from 1898 to 1946, the practice of celebrating Thanksgiving Day was introduced.
However, Filipinos actually hold Thanksgiving or “Pasasalamat” whenever there is an important milestone like passing a professional exam, graduation, recovering from illness, homecoming or owning a new home, and many more.
----- Liberia -----
In Liberia, there is a Thanksgiving holiday observed on the first Thursday of November. It has its roots in American history, as Liberia was founded by freed American slaves. Liberians celebrate with prayers, feasts, and cultural performances.
----- Grenada -----
Grenada, a Caribbean island nation, celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25th each year. This holiday is a way to give thanks for the successful harvest of the island's nutmeg and other spices, which are significant exports.
----- Germany -----
Erntedankfest, or Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, is celebrated in some regions of Germany in early October. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and is marked by church services, parades, and feasting.
----- Japan -----
Labor Thanksgiving Day, known as Kinrō Kansha no Hi, is celebrated on November 23rd in Japan. While not related to harvest, it's a day to give thanks for the labor and production that sustains the country. It includes various events and the recognition of outstanding workers.
----- Ghana -----
The Homowo festival in Ghana is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people. It involves rituals, dancing, and feasting to give thanks for the harvest and to remember their ancestors.
----- South Korea -----
Chuseok is a Korean harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, usually in September or October. Families come together to pay respects to ancestors, share food, and engage in traditional activities.
----- China -----
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a celebration of the harvest and family reunion in China and other
East Asian countries. Families gather to appreciate the full moon and share mooncakes.
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