Thanksgiving Celebrations Around the World
Thanksgiving, traditionally associated with North America, has found its way into various cultures worldwide, each with unique and meaningful customs. Whether through harvest festivals, religious services, or family gatherings, the core idea of giving thanks unites these celebrations. Let’s explore how Thanksgiving is observed across the globe and who people typically share the holiday with.
The Traditional Feast and Family Time | United States
In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Families and friends gather to enjoy a hearty feast featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It’s a day for reflection and gratitude, often spent with immediate family, extended relatives, or close friends. Many families start the day by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or tuning in to football games. Volunteering is also popular, with communities coming together at food drives or soup kitchens. Some families have traditions like sharing what they’re thankful for before eating or spending the evening enjoying games and storytelling.
A Harvest Festival in October | Canada
In Canada, Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday of October, offering families a chance to celebrate the season’s harvest and spend quality time together. Canadians often celebrate with family and close friends, gathering for meals that include turkey, ham, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables like squash, potatoes, and carrots. The earlier date reflects Canada’s colder climate and shorter growing season. Beyond the feast, people take part in outdoor activities like apple picking, hiking, or attending fall fairs. Many Canadians also use the long weekend to visit relatives or spend time at cottages, savoring the beauty of fall foliage and fostering connections with loved ones.
Erntedankfest | Germany
Germany’s Erntedankfest, or Harvest Festival of Thanks, is a time-honored tradition celebrated in late September or early October. This religious festival is often observed with extended family, church members, and neighbors, especially in rural communities. The celebrations typically begin with a church service, where worshippers give thanks for the harvest and offer baskets of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Afterward, towns may host parades featuring floats decorated with agricultural themes, while local brass bands provide lively music. Communal meals highlight the day, with families and friends gathering to enjoy German delicacies like sausages, pretzels, and freshly baked bread, emphasizing community bonds.
Labor Thanksgiving Day | Japan
In Japan, Kinrō Kansha no Hi, or Labor Thanksgiving Day, is celebrated on November 23. This modern holiday, rooted in ancient rice harvest festivals, emphasizes gratitude for workers and their contributions to society. Families celebrate quietly at home, often sharing meals and expressing thanks to one another for their efforts. It’s common for children to create art or write thank-you letters for parents, teachers, and community workers, fostering a sense of gratitude among the younger generation. Public celebrations may include small festivals or events recognizing labor rights and social welfare. Unlike other Thanksgiving traditions, this holiday is less about feasting and more about reflection and appreciation.
A Unique Thanksgiving Feast | Liberia
In Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November, a tradition brought by freed American slaves in the 19th century. The day is often observed with family, friends, and neighbors, reflecting the community’s deep-rooted sense of togetherness. Liberians gather for church services, where gratitude for life’s blessings is emphasized through prayer and music. Afterward, families share meals that blend American and Liberian influences, including dishes like roasted chicken, cassava, jollof rice, and palava sauce. Homes are often adorned with tropical fruits and flowers, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, making the holiday a vibrant celebration of gratitude and unity.
Leiden’s Thanksgiving Service | The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the city of Leiden commemorates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, honoring its historical connection to the Pilgrims. The observance is primarily celebrated by descendants of the Pilgrims and international communities living in the area. A service at the Pieterskerk church brings people together to reflect on the Pilgrims’ time in Leiden before their voyage to America. Following the service, families and friends gather to share meals inspired by both American and Dutch traditions, such as roast meats, potatoes, and Dutch apple pie. It’s a time to reflect on perseverance, community, and the enduring spirit of gratitude.
A Thanksgiving of Gratitude | Grenada
In Grenada, Thanksgiving is observed on October 25 to commemorate the 1983 U.S. intervention that helped restore peace after a political coup. The holiday is celebrated with family, friends, and community members, emphasizing gratitude for stability and unity. Church services play a significant role, often followed by communal gatherings where people share traditional Grenadian dishes like oil down, a one-pot meal of breadfruit, salted meat, and coconut milk. The day also includes cultural events such as music, dance, and storytelling, fostering a sense of national pride and togetherness. Thanksgiving in Grenada is as much about reflecting on history as it is about celebrating community.
Common Themes of Gratitude
While Thanksgiving traditions vary worldwide, they share a common theme of gratitude. From intimate family gatherings to large community events, these celebrations emphasize the importance of togetherness, cultural pride, and appreciation for life’s blessings. No matter the setting, Thanksgiving inspires a spirit of reflection, unity, and joy across cultures.
