Thanksgiving Around the World

We grew up learning about how the tradition in Thanksgiving started here in the United States but did you know there are many other traditions and celebrations around the world? Here are a few ways other cultures give thanks this time of year.

1. Canadian Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving actually happened 40 years before American Thanksgiving (in 1578). It was started by navigator Martin Frobisher to five thanks for the safety of his fleet. The celebrations in Canada look very similar to here in the States with eating turkey and watching football being centerpieces!

2. Erntedankfest- Germany’s “harvest festival of thanks”

This holiday usually takes place on the first Sunday in October and is used to give thanks for the good harvest. People wear harvest crowns made of grains, flowers, and fruits and eat a feast with chicken as the main dish.

3. Puerto Rican Thanksgiving

Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in the late 1800’s and adopted some of the traditions we have here in the U.S. However Puerto Rican Thanksgiving features local twists on traditional dishes. Some examples are turkey stuffed with mofongo (a plantain dish), roast pork, and rice and beans.

4. Kadazan Festival- Malaysia

The Kadazan Festival is a day where Malaysians celebrate rice. Many people in Malaysia believe that rice holds the spirit of life and creation and Kadazan is used to thank the Creator, Bambaazon. Kadazan is celebrated with rice wine, buffalo races, and agricultural shows.

5. Harvest Moon Festival / Mid-Autumn Festival – China

This festival takes place over three days when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. Today, Chinese people celebrate by gathering to talk, eat, and make offerings. This festival is also known for the incredible displays of lanterns.