Is Thanksgiving observed in countries other than the US?

Holidays & Special Events

By Kristy Tolley

Is Thanksgiving celebrated only in the US?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. However, Thanksgiving is not just limited to the US, and many other countries also celebrate similar holidays. While the traditions and dates may vary, the essence of the holiday remains the same – to give thanks for the blessings of the year and celebrate the harvest season.

The origins of Thanksgiving

The origins of Thanksgiving in the US date back to the 17th century when the Pilgrims held a feast with the local Wampanoag tribe to celebrate their successful harvest. The holiday became an official national holiday in 1863 through a proclamation made by President Abraham Lincoln. The holiday has since evolved into a celebration where families gather together, feast on turkey and other dishes, and express gratitude for their blessings. The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is also a significant shopping day in the US, kicking off the holiday shopping season.

How do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?

American families usually gather together on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. They often decorate their homes with fall-themed items, such as pumpkins and autumn leaves. Some families also participate in parades, watch football games, or engage in other fun activities. The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with many stores offering discounts and deals.

The spread of Thanksgiving traditions

The traditions of Thanksgiving have spread beyond the US, with many other countries adopting similar holidays. These holidays may have different names, dates, and customs, but they all share the common theme of giving thanks. The most well-known of these holidays is Canada’s Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

Canada’s Thanksgiving: a similar holiday

Canada’s Thanksgiving is similar to the American holiday but is celebrated on a different date. It is also a time for families to gather together, enjoy a big meal, and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. However, in Canada, Thanksgiving is often seen as a more peaceful and reflective holiday, with less emphasis on shopping and commercial activities.

Other countries with similar harvest festivals

Many other countries also celebrate harvest festivals that are similar to Thanksgiving. In the UK, for example, there is Harvest Festival, which is held in churches and schools to give thanks for the harvest and raise money for charities. In Germany, the Erntedankfest is celebrated in late September or early October, and involves parades, church services, and feasting. In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to gather and enjoy mooncakes, while in Korea, Chuseok is a time for families to visit their ancestral homes and perform traditional rituals.

Harvest festivals around the world

Harvest festivals are celebrated in many different cultures and religions around the world, often with unique customs and traditions. These festivals may be religious or secular, but they all share the common theme of giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the year. Examples of these festivals include the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the Hindu festival of Pongal, and the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa.

Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day

In Japan, the holiday of Labor Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on November 23rd to express gratitude for labor and production, as well as to give thanks for the blessings of the year. This holiday was established after World War II and is often celebrated with parades and festivals.

Brazil’s Dia de Ação de Graças

In Brazil, the holiday of Dia de Ação de Graças is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, similar to the US holiday. The holiday is not as widely celebrated as in the US, but many families still gather together for a big meal and express gratitude for their blessings.

How do other countries celebrate gratitude?

In addition to Thanksgiving and other harvest festivals, many countries have their own traditional ways of expressing gratitude. For example, in Japan, it is customary to send handwritten thank-you notes after receiving gifts or favors. In India, the festival of Diwali is a time for families to exchange gifts and express gratitude for their blessings. In Ireland, the Claddagh ring is a traditional symbol of love, loyalty, and gratitude.

Differences in Thanksgiving traditions

While many countries celebrate similar holidays to Thanksgiving, there are often differences in the customs and traditions. For example, in the US, Thanksgiving is often associated with football games and parades, while in Canada, the holiday is more low-key. Similarly, in Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day is more focused on celebrating labor and production, while in the US, Thanksgiving is more focused on giving thanks for the blessings of the year.

Conclusion: Thanksgiving beyond borders

Thanksgiving is not just limited to the US, and many other countries around the world celebrate similar holidays. These holidays may have different names, dates, and customs, but they all share the common theme of giving thanks for the blessings of the year and celebrating the harvest season. Whether it’s by feasting with family and friends, participating in parades and festivals, or simply sending a thank-you note, expressing gratitude is an essential part of many cultures and religions around the world.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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