Here in America, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Our American heritage has strong roots from the Bible and in the Hebrews to hold a day of thanksgiving when they enter the promised land. After that, throughout the Scriptures, God commands His people and all people to give thanks. In 1621 the early colonists held a time of giving thanks with the local Indians. President Lincoln declared the official day of Thanksgiving. [1] Since then, Americans join with family and friends to share the blessings and the bounty of the year. But the United States is not the only country that celebrates this holiday.
Canada
Our neighbor to the north, Canada, also celebrates Thanksgiving. Normally celebrated when the harvest comes in, and because they are further north, their holiday is the second Monday of October. Their menu is quite similar to ours: turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. They also watch football and have a parade.
China
China has an annual day of thanksgiving. It is commonly called a moon festival and lasts for three days. Family and friends share mooncakes, which symbolize unity and peace. Vietnam hosts a holiday the same day. Those citizens give thanks and honor to their families.
Germany
Germany has a thanksgiving day called Erntedankefest, meaning harvest thanksgiving festival. Although celebrated primarily celebrated by farmers and their families, city folk celebrate by attending church. No official day is set. Most German-speaking countries celebrate this holiday. [2] Churchgoers also donate their extra food to the poor.
Granada
Granada celebrates Thanksgiving due to American intervention. President Reagan intervened with curfew regulations set by the dictator. In order to show their gratitude to the American soldiers, the Granadans shared the Thanksgiving meal with the soldiers, although the menu was changed. This was in 1983, and the grateful attitudes and giving of thanks extends until today.
Philippines
This country sometimes celebrates this holiday. As an American colony, it did celebrate Thanksgiving. When occupied by Japan in WWII, residents did not openly celebrate this holiday. After the end of the war, many people did not celebrate this. However, modern marketing is making this holiday a time to be grateful as well as spend money.
So as you sit down to eat with family and friends this Thanksgiving, take time to remember that the United States is not the only country giving thanks.
Notes:
- ^https://finance.yahoo.com/news/9-other-countries-celebrate-thanksgiving-110021067.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAIheln89Oi5uvlZ6Y8UrJujh0WTv6vO3sLGG0gN8CIwLnu-xDWIQltJt4-7YhTe1G_n_olyzz_RxbKQFXTpVZmCXWrtWDeM92weehiewyt52AxUAtr7VI6qJggpjl6onc79lwZIQbsF8hfV1_41mYG_PC6NabTes3e0GZxx7Lm1C (go back ↩)
- ^https://allthatsinteresting.com/thanksgiving-in-other-countries/3 (go back ↩)
