The day has come, Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is celebrated differently around the world, but they all center around the same idea: to express gratitude. So, what are the unique and distinctive ways that Thanksgiving is celebrated internationally?
Canada
Did you know that Canada’s first Thanksgiving was celebrated 40 years before America’s first Thanksgiving holiday? Canada’s first Thanksgiving used to be celebrated on November 6 for over 70 years until the date changed to the second Monday of October. Canada’s Thanksgiving traditions are similar to American celebrations, including enjoying delicious dishes like mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberries and watching football called the Thanksgiving Day Classic with their family.
Japan
Labor Thanksgiving Day, known as Kinro Kansha no Hi, is Japan's version of Thanksgiving. It originated from an ancient rice harvest festival called Niinamesai during the Meiji Era. The holiday originally started to celebrate the success of the harvest. Over time, it gradually evolved into a holiday to celebrate people who work hard for the community which is how Kinro Kansha no Hi is celebrated nowadays.
Liberia
Thanksgiving in Liberia takes place on the first Thursday of November. Liberia’s Thanksgiving dishes are quite different from other countries. They enjoy spicy roast chicken and mashed cassavas with their family. During Thanksgiving, some people attend a church where they auction off juicy and fresh traditional fruits like mangoes and papayas, whereas some people listen to music and dance!
China
China’s version of Thanksgiving is the Moon Festival, known as Chung Chiu. The Moon Festival takes place when there is a full moon and lasts for three days. During this festival, Chinese families gather to have a feast with mooncake making, lantern lighting, and dragon dancing to pray for peace for the country.
Now that you’ve learnt the interesting traditions of Thanksgiving around the world, it’s time for some Thanksgiving trivia!
1. How many turkeys are prepared for Thanksgiving in the U.S. each year?
Answer: Approximately 46 million
2. How many days did the first Thanksgiving last?
Answer: 3 days
3. When is Thanksgiving in Canada?
Answer: Second Monday in October
4. What is the traditional color of Thanksgiving in America?
Answer: Orange
5. What is the most common & popular dish made with Thanksgiving leftovers in America?
Answer: Turkey sandwich
To conclude, Thanksgiving is a beloved and special holiday that is celebrated differently around the world. However you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving, whether it’s bonding with your family and friends or showing gratitude and giving thanks to your loved ones...
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁
Zarpas, Calli. “This is How Thanksgiving is Celebrated Around the World.” Rosettastone, November 22, 2022. https://blog.rosettastone.com/this-is-how-thanksgiving-is-celebrated-around-the-world/
Pruitt, Sarah. “8 Thanksgiving Celebrations Around the World.” History, September 29, 2023. https://www.history.com/news/8-thanksgiving-celebrations-around-the-world
Jatania, Deepa. “10 Ways Thanksgiving is Celebrated Across Cultures.” Multilingual, October 7, 2022. https://www.latmultilingual.com/blog/10-ways-thanksgiving-is-celebrated-across-cultures/
Richardson, Irene. “Learn What Other Countries Celebrate Thanksgiving.” Countryliving, September 14, 2023. https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/a41507294/what-countries-celebrate-thanksgiving/
Sager, Jessica. “50 Thanksgiving Trivia Questions and Answers to Impress All of Your Dinner Guests.” Parade, August 26, 2023. https://parade.com/1072705/jessicasager/thanksgiving-trivia/
Griffiths, Eleanor. “70+Thanksgiving Trivia Questions & Answers [2023] + Fun Facts.” Icebreaker Ideas, September 18, 2023. https://icebreakerideas.com/thanksgiving-trivia/
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