Thanksgivings Around The World
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Thanksgivings Around The World

America isn't the only one who celebrates the autumn season!

10
Thanksgivings Around The World
Becco-NYC

We all know what Thanksgiving looks like in the United States: images of tables groaning under the weight of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, macaroni, and pumpkin pie have been flashed in front of our eyes since the day after Halloween. For most Americans, it brings families and friends together and signals the beginning of the winter holiday season. But the concept of a “thanksgiving” is not uniquely American. Here are five other cultures that have a similar day or time during which they also celebrate family and good fortune.

Germany

Similar to the American tradition, the German celebration of Erntedankfest, held on the first Sunday of every October, focuses on the harvest and eating a great bird for dinner, although, in this celebration, it’s usually a chicken. Differing from America’s idea of Thanksgiving, there is not an emphasis on family gatherings and there is also a religious component to the festivities and it involves a church service.

Canada

Canadians have their Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, traditionally to celebrate another year of good harvest. Like their southern neighbors, turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn are common foods for that weekend, and parades and other such celebrations are traditional. The first Canadian Thanksgiving actually took place in 1578, almost half a century before the American celebration was first conducted.

Korea

The holiday of Chuseok occurs over a three-day period at the end of September and the beginning of October every year. It is a time for families to come together and offer their respects to their ancestors, as well as enjoy a delicious feast from the recent harvest. Dancing and the wearing of traditional attire are also components of this autumnal celebration.

Liberia

Thanksgiving in Liberia is relatively similar to its American counterpart, largely because the country itself was founded by freed slaves from the United States in the 19th century. They also eat a celebratory bird, but with many more traditional African spices and flare put into the food. This day is celebrated at the beginning of November, like most other harvest-time holidays.

China

China’s Mid-Autumn Moon festival takes place in either September or October, and like all the other celebrations in this list, it is centered around a harvest. Like in America, there is also an emphasis on family and friendships, old and new, but dissimilarly, it is also known to be a time of romance. The signature dish at these festivities is the mooncake, a flaky pastry with an egg yolk center, symbolic of the full moon.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

108800
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments