Thanksgiving Traditions from Around the Globe

Thanksgiving is often associated with American traditions — turkey, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings. However, the spirit of giving thanks transcends borders. Several countries have their own unique versions of this holiday, each with its own customs, foods, and reasons for celebration.

Canada: The Original Thanksgiving

While Americans often take credit for popularizing Thanksgiving, Canada’s celebration predates the Pilgrims. Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday in October, traces its roots to European harvest festivals and Martin Frobisher’s 16th-century voyage. Frobisher held a ceremony to give thanks for his safe journey to what is now Newfoundland, marking one of the earliest recorded thanksgivings in North America. Over time, it evolved into a holiday that honors the harvest and brings families together.

Today, Thanksgiving in Canada feels familiar yet distinct. Families sit down to turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, but the holiday is less tied to the dramatic history of pilgrims and indigenous peoples. Instead, it’s a more relaxed affair, centered on gratitude for the harvest and the people in one’s life. The golden leaves of autumn and crisp October air make it a truly picturesque time to celebrate.

Japan: Labour Thanksgiving Day

Japan’s Thanksgiving, known as Kinrō Kansha no Hi, is celebrated every November 23rd. But instead of turkey and stuffing, it’s a day dedicated to showing appreciation for workers and their contributions to society. Rooted in the ancient rice harvest festival, Niiname-sai, it transformed into a modern holiday after World War II to recognize labour rights and the value of hard work.

While it doesn’t involve grand feasts, Kinrō Kansha no Hi is a day of reflection and small gestures of thanks. Families and communities exchange thank-you notes, schools hold ceremonies, and workers are reminded of their essential role in society. It’s a quiet yet meaningful celebration, proving that gratitude doesn’t need a big meal to leave a lasting impact.

Germany: Erntedankfest

Germany’s Erntedankfest might not be a household name, but it’s a colorful and meaningful celebration rooted in giving thanks for the harvest. Held in late September or early October, it’s a blend of religious traditions and community festivities. The day begins with church services where farmers and families bring baskets of produce to be blessed, symbolizing gratitude for the year’s bounty.

Afterward, the festivities spill into the streets with parades, music, and plenty of food. While there’s no turkey in sight, dishes like sausages, sauerkraut, and hearty breads take centre stage. The atmosphere is joyful, with towns and villages coming together to celebrate abundance and the bonds of community. Erntedankfest may not look like a Thanksgiving dinner, but it captures the same spirit of gratitude and togetherness.

South Korea: Chuseok

In South Korea, the autumn holiday Chuseok shares Thanksgiving’s themes of gratitude and celebration but brings its own unique flavor. Falling in September or October, it’s a time when families gather to give thanks to their ancestors for a bountiful harvest. The holiday’s roots trace back thousands of years, tied to Korea’s agricultural traditions and a deep sense of familial respect.

Chuseok’s celebrations include a mix of solemn rituals and joyful feasting. Families visit ancestral graves, offering food and performing ceremonies to honor their forebears. At home, tables are filled with dishes like rice cakes (songpyeon), jeon (savory pancakes), and seasonal fruits. The streets buzz with traditional games and cultural performances, making it a lively yet reflective holiday that celebrates gratitude in all its forms.