Thanksgiving Day Around The World

Almost every country and every culture celebrates a day of giving thanks. In America it began over 400 years ago and was celebrated in the form of a feast within the original colonies. But, that does not mean that everyone celebrates Thanksgiving Day the same way; as the traditions of one country may be completely different than those in another.

For example, in the country of Greece they do give thanks, but it is a 9 day harvest festival dedicated to the goddess of agriculture, Demeter. They also engage in other activities after the harvest. For example, all married women build huts made from plants and leaves and then decorate the interior with cushions. They continue into the second day with fasting and then on the third day they host Thanksgiving in their own way, by presenting a big feast complete with meats, sweets, nuts and fruit.

In Great Britain they celebrate the harvest festival, and a particular day in late September or early October is set aside for their celebration, which is then completed with prayers and a church service. The Chinese celebrate their Thanksgiving Day on what they consider the moon’s birthday, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, according to the Chinese calendar. Their tradition is to exchange moon shaped pastries among themselves and eat a meal of fruit and ham.

In Egypt, they celebrate Thanksgiving by paying honor to Min, the god of fertility and the harvest. Originally celebrated during the spring, the time when they harvest their crops, they would pretend to cry while harvesting so that the god would not be upset with them for taking it. The history of Thanksgiving Day in Canada dates back to 1578, and is also a celebration of thanks and family gatherings, and is held on the second Monday in October. Cerelia was a harvest festival that the Romans celebrated to honor the goddess of grains, Ceres. This festival was always held on the 4th of October and the fruits of the harvest and roasted pigs were offered to Ceres. The celebration continued with a parade, music, sports and games and, of course, a huge feast.

With regard to the American Thanksgiving, many people feel that the original idea was to celebrate a day and give thanks for a good harvest and a good life; however, they feel that Thanksgiving Day has become more of a time to spend with family and friends. That it is about being with your loved ones and being grateful. It does not matter what you call it, it is just important that countries take a season, or a day, to be thankful for what they have.

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