Thanksgiving is primarily a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, each with its own unique traditions and customs. However, there are other countries that have similar harvest festivals or days of thanks, although they may not be identical to the American or Canadian Thanksgiving. Here are some ways Thanksgiving is celebrated around the world:

Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving, often referred to as “Action de grâce” in French-speaking regions, is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Similar to the American Thanksgiving, it is a time for families to come together, enjoy a feast, and express gratitude for the harvest and blessings of the past year. The foods served are similar to those in the United States, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Liberia

Liberia, a country in West Africa, celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday in November. This tradition is rooted in the country’s history as a colony for freed American slaves. Liberians celebrate with church services, feasts, and activities similar to those in the United States.

Grenada

In Grenada, a small island nation in the Caribbean, they celebrate Thanksgiving on October 25th. This holiday is unrelated to the American or Canadian versions and commemorates the U.S.-led invasion of Grenada in 1983. It is a time to remember those who lost their lives during the conflict.

 

Norfolk Island

 This Australian territory in the South Pacific celebrates Thanksgiving on the last Wednesday in November. It is reminiscent of American Thanksgiving, with families coming together for a big meal, though it is not an official public holiday.

Germany

Germans celebrate “Erntedankfest,” a harvest festival, which is similar in spirit to Thanksgiving. It takes place on the first Sunday in October. People attend church services, decorate with grains and produce, and enjoy a meal featuring locally harvested foods.

Japan

While not a Thanksgiving in the traditional sense, Japan has a Labor Thanksgiving Day, called “Kinrō Kansha no Hi,” on November 23rd. It’s a national holiday to express gratitude for labor and production. People often participate in parades and cultural events.

South Korea

South Korea celebrates a holiday called “Chuseok,” which is a major harvest festival. It usually takes place in September or early October, depending on the lunar calendar. Families gather, share ancestral rituals, and feast on traditional foods like songpyeon (rice cakes) and seasonal vegetables.

Ghana

In Ghana, “Homowo” is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people. It occurs between May and August and involves rituals, dancing, and feasting. The name “Homowo” means “hooting at hunger,” signifying a bountiful harvest season.

Australia

While Australia does not celebrate Thanksgiving, they do have a similar holiday called “Harvest Festival” or “Harvest Thanksgiving.” It is often celebrated in churches and schools as a way to give thanks for the harvest and is not an official public holiday.

The Netherlands

Although not a Thanksgiving celebration per se, the Dutch celebrate “Dankdag” (Day of Thanks) on the first Wednesday in November. It is a Christian holiday during which people attend church services and offer thanks for the harvest.

While these celebrations may share some similarities with American or Canadian Thanksgiving, each country’s traditions are unique and influenced by its own history, culture, and values. They all emphasize gratitude for the harvest and blessings, making them special occasions to come together with family and friends.

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