Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, where it has become a symbol of family, gratitude, and tradition.

However, the concept of giving thanks transcends national boundaries and cultural differences, as almost every society has a festival or ritual that honors the harvest, the ancestors, or the divine. In this article, we will explore the ways in which different cultures celebrate Thanksgiving, and discover the common threads that connect humanity in the joy of gratitude.

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving as we know it today has its roots in the harvest festivals of the Native American tribes that inhabited North America long before the arrival of the Pilgrims.

These festivals, which took place in autumn, were a time to give thanks for the bountiful crops, the hunting success, and the blessings of nature. When the Europeans came to America in the 16th and 17th centuries, they brought with them their own traditions of thanksgiving, such as the English harvest home, the Dutch Kermis, and the German Erntedankfest.

However, it was not until 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians held a feast together after a successful harvest, that Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States, proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 as a day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”.

Thanksgiving Around the World

Although Thanksgiving is predominantly an American holiday, many other countries also have similar celebrations that honor the harvest, the family, or the divine.

Let’s take a journey around the world and discover the diversity of Thanksgiving traditions.

Canada

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, and has a history similar to that of the United States, but with some variations.

The first recorded Thanksgiving in Canada was held in 1578 by Martin Frobisher, a British explorer who gave thanks for surviving a long voyage to the Arctic. However, it was not until 1957 that Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada, proclaimed by the government as “a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”.

China

In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time to give thanks for the harvest, the family reunion, and the moon itself.

This festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October), involves eating mooncakes, sharing tea, and admiring the full moon. The round shape of the mooncake represents completeness and unity, while the light of the moon symbolizes hope and renewal.

India

In India, the festival of Pongal is a four-day celebration of the winter solstice, the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai, and the thanksgiving for the Sun, the rain, and the crops.

Pongal, which means “boiling over” or “overflowing,” refers to the cooking of rice, lentils, and milk in a clay pot until it spills over, signifying abundance and prosperity. The first day of Pongal is Bhogi, when people clean their houses and burn old items to welcome the new. The second day is Thai Pongal, the main day of the festival, when the rice is cooked and offered to the Sun God.

The third day is Maatu Pongal, when cows and bulls are worshipped and decorated. The fourth day is Kaanum Pongal, when people visit each other and exchange greetings and gifts.

Israel

In Israel, the holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a time to give thanks for the harvest, the shelter, and the blessings of the Lord.

Sukkot, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh month (usually in September or October), involves dwelling in temporary booths or tents called sukkahs, decorated with fruits, flowers, and foliage. The sukkah represents the temporary dwellings of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, as well as the frailty and transience of human life.

The seven days of Sukkot are followed by the eighth day of Shemini Atzeret, when a special prayer for rain is recited, and the ninth day of Simchat Torah, when the Torah scrolls are completed and rejoiced.

Japan

In Japan, the holiday of Labor Thanksgiving Day, also known as Kinrō Kansha no Hi, is a time to give thanks for the labor, the nature, and the peace.

This holiday, which falls on November 23, was first established in 1948 as a national holiday to commemorate the new Constitution and to promote the spirit of labor. On Labor Thanksgiving Day, people participate in community service, express gratitude to their teachers and superiors, and donate to the less fortunate.

The date November 23 also coincides with the ancient Chinese festival of Tiānshì zhì, a day to worship the sky and the ancestors.

Mexico

In Mexico, the holiday of Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, is a time to give thanks for the departed, the life, and the love.

This holiday, which falls on November 1 and 2, is a fusion of the indigenous Aztec festival of Mictecacihuatl and the Catholic All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. On Day of the Dead, families build altars called ofrendas, decorated with candles, flowers, food, and photos of the deceased, to welcome their spirits back to the world of the living.

The sweet bread called pan de muerto and the sugar skulls called calaveras are also important symbols of the holiday, reminding people of the continuity and beauty of life and death.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Yam Festival, also known as Iriji-Mmanwu or Iwa Ji, is a time to give thanks for the yam harvest, the culture, and the ancestors.

This festival, which varies from region to region and tribe to tribe, involves the performance of masquerades, dances, and rituals that invoke the blessings of the gods and the spirits. The yam, which is considered the king of crops, is paraded and offered to the ancestors, royalty, and guests, as a sign of hospitality and respect.

The Yam Festival is a time for reaffirming the social, religious, and political ties of the community, and for showcasing the artistic talents and diversity of Nigeria.

Peru

In Peru, the holiday of Inti Raymi, also known as the Festival of the Sun, is a time to give thanks for the sun, the harvest, and the Inca heritage.

This festival, which takes place on June 24, was first celebrated by the Incas as a ritual of renewal and thanksgiving, and was later adapted by the Spanish conquerors as a Christianized version of the winter solstice. On Inti Raymi, people dress in colorful costumes and reenact the ancient ceremonies of the Inca Empire, such as the sacrifice of llamas, the lighting of fires, and the drinking of chicha.

The highlight of the festival is the procession from the Coricancha temple to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, where the Inca king delivers a speech of gratitude to the gods.

South Africa

In South Africa, the holiday of Heritage Day, also known as Braai Day, is a time to give thanks for the diversity, the unity, and the freedom of the rainbow nation.

This holiday, which falls on September 24, was first recognized in 1995 by the government as a way to promote national unity and to celebrate the cultural heritage of all South Africans. On Heritage Day, people participate in various activities that showcase their traditions, such as dances, songs, games, and food.

The braai, which is a South African version of the barbecue, is a popular way to gather and share different types of meat and vegetables, as well as stories and jokes. Heritage Day is a time to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present, and to look forward to the future.

The Unity of Thanksgiving

As we have seen, there are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving, but all of them share the spirit of gratitude, community, and harmony.

Whether it is a feast, a prayer, a dance, or a display, Thanksgiving is a time to acknowledge the blessings of the past, the joys of the present, and the hope of the future. It is a time to honor the diversity and richness of human culture, and to recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life on earth.

Conclusion

Giving thanks is a universal human need, as old as humanity itself. From the ancient rituals of the harvest to the modern festivals of the world, Thanksgiving has been a source of inspiration, joy, and meaning for countless generations.

By exploring the ways in which different cultures celebrate Thanksgiving, we can learn from each other, appreciate our commonalities, and respect our differences. We can also discover the beauty and value of our own traditions, and share them with others. Let us celebrate Thanksgiving not only once a year, but every day, by giving thanks for the wonder of life and the gift of love.