Thanksgiving is not just an American holiday; it is celebrated in various countries around the world, each with its own unique name, customs, and rituals.
Americans give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. This holiday in the U.S. can be compared to Tet in Vietnam. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. If you’re in America, you can enjoy a long weekend with four days off from Thursday to Sunday; quite convenient, right? After Thanksgiving, there’s plenty of time to prepare for Black Friday shopping. In Massachusetts, where cranberries are harvested, there are also blueberry pie-making contests during this time.
Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, although it was initially observed on the fifth Thursday of November. Instead of turkey, they enjoy smoked meat or lamb and the La tourtiere pie, which is made from mashed potatoes and minced rabbit or beef.
Interestingly, there is no specific date for Thanksgiving in England; the timing of the celebration depends entirely on the weather conditions and the region’s culture. Quite fascinating, isn’t it? If we were to pin it down, September—the end of summer—is when Thanksgiving is celebrated across England. Harvesting begins with apples, wheat, and especially corn. The last corn bundle is highly cherished by the locals as a symbol of good luck. They bring their harvests and plowing tools to churches to pray, as it is believed that this tradition will ensure a bountiful harvest for the following year.
Austrians celebrate Thanksgiving for wine. If you travel to Austria during this time, you will have the opportunity to participate in pilgrimages to Klosterneuberg Abbey— the “capital” of the famous Leopoldsberg wine. During this period, parades and musical performances take place continuously, so it would be a shame to miss the chance to explore Austrian culture, especially regarding Thanksgiving.
If you have read Greek mythology, you must know about the harvest goddess Demeter—who oversees the crops of the locals. Naturally, the Greeks always honor and respect her. Each autumn during the harvest season, they hold the Thesmophoria festival for three days to express gratitude to Demeter. Foods such as corn, bread, fruits, and pigs are offered to the goddess in hopes of another bountiful year ahead.
Chuseok, South Korea: Chuseok is a three-day festival where thousands return to their hometowns to pay respects to ancestors and celebrate with family. People usually prepare elaborate offerings, children wear traditional attire, and there are performances of drums, singing, and tug-of-war. (Photo: Toptenz).
Dia de Acao de Gracas, Brazil: In Brazil, Thanksgiving is relatively new but warmly embraced. In 1949, former President Gaspar Dutra brought this festival to Brazil after a visit to the United States. Dia de Acao de Gracas is celebrated with lively parties, carnival festivities, and, of course, turkey. (Photo: ABC News).
Thanksgiving in Liberia: After church services, families gather to enjoy roasted chicken, green bean stew, and mashed cassava, all quite spicy. Thanksgiving concludes with an evening full of music and festivities. (Photo: Toptenz).
Homowo, Ghana: The Homowo festival was originally held to mark the end of a famine period for the Ga people, featuring dishes like chestnut soup, fish, and traditional Kpokoi. The festival occurs around August and September, complete with traditional dances, songs, and impressive drumming performances. (Photo: News).
Crop Over, Barbados: This is the largest festival in Barbados, lasting up to 12 weeks, from May to August, culminating in the significant Grand Kadooment celebration. Established in the 1780s, Crop Over originally celebrated the sugar cane harvest. Throughout this lengthy festival, the highlight is the vibrant carnival parades featuring bands performing lively dances alongside beautiful dancers. (Photo: Panamericanworld).
Mehregan, Iran: This festival has a history dating back to the 4th century BC, celebrated on the 196th day of the year according to the Iranian calendar, which this year is on October 2nd. Mehregan celebrates a bountiful harvest and honors the goddess Mehr. People wear new clothes, gather together, and enjoy lavish dinners. (Photo: Toptenz).
In Japan, people celebrate Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day), which evolved from an ancient rice harvest festival called Niinamesai, originating from the 7th century AD. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), this day was established as November 23rd and became more popular in 1948. Today, the Japanese regard it as a national holiday, but they do not hold large parties like in the U.S. Instead, labor organizations host events to honor the beauty of labor, hard work, and community solidarity. Children often make thank-you cards for police officers, firefighters, or public service workers.
Norfolk Island: This remote island in the Pacific was once a British colony and is now a territory of Australia. Thanksgiving here began in the mid-1890s when American trader Isaac Robinson decided to host an American-style Thanksgiving at All Saints Church in Kingston to attract some American whalers. Since then, the holiday has become more familiar. Congregants bring fruits, vegetables, and corn stalks to decorate the church and sing American hymns on the last Wednesday of November each year.
Puerto Rico: After Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States in the late 19th century, residents here adopted many American festivals. They celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day as in the U.S. and also observe Black Friday the following day. However, Puerto Ricans have created their own style for the feast, featuring roasted pig, rice and beans, alongside seasoned roasted turkey or turkey stuffed with mashed plantains.
Grenada: Every year on October 25th, the people of this island in the West Indies celebrate their own Thanksgiving Day, marking the arrival of Caribbean and American troops in Grenada in 1983, which restored order after a coup. While stationed on the island, American soldiers brought their traditional holiday customs with them. The local people also contributed various local products, hosting a welcoming feast that includes traditional American Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, cranberries, and potatoes.
