4 Unique Thanksgiving Celebrations Around the World

Every November many Americans loosen their belts and untuck their shirts to appease their inner gluttonous souls with a spread donned with favorite dishes like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and that aromatic pumpkin pie.  But not every country celebrates Thanksgiving the same. 

Some, like these four, have religious and political meanings behind their celebrations and others prefer to visit the dead.  However, in one form or another their gratitude keeps the day alive, and proves that not only do they have their own style, but that style is transferred into the way they say “happy Thanksgiving” too.

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Korea: Chuseok

When the crops of Korea are ripe and ready to be harvested, every 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar calls for a grand celebration called Chuseok.  However, honoring this important holiday not only guarantees a full appetite with Korean specialties like songpyeon (rice cake) traditionally making its way onto the menu, but it also incorporates cultural dances like ganggangsullae and a bit of friendly competition as well. 

And in true Korean fashion, the festival must not go by without remembering the dead. That’s why celebrators pay their respects by decorating the graves of their ancestors with meat, fruits and perform other gift-baring rituals.  Dressed to the nines in vibrant attire, this is one family get-together that is just as historic as it is unique.

Germany: Erntedankfest

Although Thanksgiving in Germany has more of a religious connotation behind it, it is still a celebration that holds no specific date.  Yet, every first Sunday of October the festivities kick off with a religious ceremony that later culminates when the “harvest crown” officially makes an appearance. 

This is usually followed with music, dancing and food before the evening church service and parade illuminated with lanterns and fireworks commences.  But don’t be surprised if a turkey makes its way into the celebrations since the holiday treat is slowly becoming an acceptable dish.

Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day

There’s no denying that the Japanese take their jobs seriously, which is why the Labor Thanksgiving Day was established. Every Nov. 23, celebrators show their appreciation for each other and the values that influence Japan’s workforce. 

The day officially became a major holiday in 1948 after World War II to raise awareness about the increase of jobs and equal opportunities within the Japanese workforce. It was also intended to take the place of Niinamesai, a harvest festival that predates the United States’ Thanksgiving Day by centuries. 

Still, one may say Labor Thanksgiving Day can be considered the fruits of their labor by the grand way it is observed, which includes the colorful labor festival.

Grenada: Thanksgiving Day

This day may share the same name with that of the U.S., but you will be less likely to feel like a glutton during Grenada’s Thanksgiving Day because it commemorates the United States’ intervention which prevented the government from becoming overthrown by communists.  After Grenada established its independence from the British and Sir Eric Matthew Gairy was appointed prime minister, the New Jewel Movement, a conflicting party, became enraged when he was accused of fraud.

However, this party’s days in office were short-lived when members were brutally executed. On Oct. 25, 1983, U.S. military action helped to restore stability in Grenada’s government under Operation Urgent Fury. A new prime minister was elected and to this day, Oct. 25 has remained a day of thankfulness with locals attending church services or simply enjoying the island’s tropical resources with family and friends.