If you believe America is the only country celebrating Thanksgiving this year, you are mistaken. Many cultures have their own traditions and versions of Thanksgiving, all sharing the same pride and gratitude. Because of this, The Leaf staff decided to take a closer look into some of these remarkable celebrations from around the world, and here is what we found.
First up, Canada. Our northern neighbors celebrate their own Thanksgiving, called Action de grâce. Canadians celebrate it in early October with friends and family, and, instead of football, they watch hockey. The vibe is pretty much the same: saying thanks, good food, and family.
Next stop: Japan! The Japanese people celebrate Kinrō Kansha no Hi, or Labor Thanksgiving Day. Unlike Thanksgiving, this November holiday is not centered on food, but on expressing gratitude for the hard work of laborers. A blend of Thanksgiving and Labor Day, it has roots in ancient harvest festivals, while giving thanks and appreciating workers.
Now, let’s hop over to Germany, where they celebrate Erntedankfest. This harvest festival, occurring in late September or early October, is a time for Germans to give thanks for their crops and the abundance provided by Earth. They celebrated with church services, parades, and sometimes lanterns. Instead of turkey, you might see roast chicken or goose on the table!
The next destination is in Ghana, they have a festival called Homowo, which directly translates to “hooting at hunger.” It is celebrated by the Ghanaian people and focuses on a bountiful harvest, just like Thanksgiving. They celebrate with music, dancing, and a big feast with foods such as kpekple (made from maize). Similar to Thanksgiving, this festival is all about community and being thankful for what you have.
Finally, Chuseok is one of South Korea’s biggest holidays. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and ancestors, combining Thanksgiving and a strong emphasis on honoring family heritage. Families gather for a feast and visit the graves of their ancestors, where they clean them and give offerings in gratitude.