Although Thanksgiving may seem quintessentially American, other countries and cultures also have their own versions of the holiday. Originally celebrated in October, Thanksgiving in the US was a time to give thanks for the harvest in preparation of the winter season ahead. Several other cultures around the globe also have their own unique harvest celebrations. Here a just a few of the many traditions associated with these festivals.
Thanksgiving – Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island is a tiny Australian territory in the Pacific Ocean. They celebrate Thanksgiving because of the American whalers who came and promoted the holiday. During the holiday, churches are decorated with palm leaves and produce, including lemons. The most interesting part of Norfolk Island’s version of American Thanksgiving is that nearly everything in the holiday meal is made out of bananas. Some notable dishes include green bananas in cream, dried bananas, and banana pilaf. In addition, roast pork and chickens are also popular food choices for the celebration meal.
Thanksgiving – Chuseok – Korea
On a holiday called Chuseok, Koreans give thanks by paying respects to their dead family members and ancestors. Chuseok is on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late September or early October. Nearly 75% of the population visits their hometowns, which means that train tickets going from big cities to the more rural areas sell out fast. The foods traditionally associated with the holiday include songpyeon – a traditional glutinous rice cake with sweet stuffing, which is steamed over pine needles. This dish is shaped like a half-moon, representing a bright future or victory. As for its origin, the holiday in Korea was created as a way to celebrate a successful harvest in the fall.
Sukkot – Israel – Jews around the world
Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, is a holiday associated with all people of the Jewish faith rather than exclusive to those living in Israel. During the holiday, people build and dwell in temporary huts called Sukkah that have roofs made of branches. Sukkot lasts for a period of seven days and is celebrated from the 15th through the 21st of the Jewish month of Tishrei; this year, on the Gregorian calendar, the holiday will fall on September 28th. This holiday also has a unique mitzvah – a precept or commandment – which requires taking the Four Kinds: an etrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), at least three hadassim (myrtle branches), and two aravot (willow branches). These objects are meant to represent the various types and personalities that comprise the community of Israel.
Homowo – Ghana
Sometime between May and August, Ghanaians celebrate a holiday called Homowo, which means to hoot or jeer at hunger in the Ga language. In remembrance of a precolonial famine caused by a lack of rainfall, they give thanks for the gathering of yams. It is mainly celebrated by people in the Ga state, though all other states and ethnicities are welcome to participate. The celebration begins with planting of maize, during which noise making is prohibited as the Ga believe that it will hinder the maturity of the crop. The meal is eaten with palm nut soup, which is also sprinkled about town by a fetish priest (a mediator between the dead and the living, often found in various parts of West Africa). The rest of the celebration is quite lively and includes drums, chanting, face painting, and traditional dances.
Thanksgiving – Liberia
Liberia was formed as a country by freed African slaves from the United States who wanted to immigrate to Africa. As a result, some American traditions remain, including Thanksgiving. In Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a way to give thanks to God for freeing the slaves and providing them with the land of Liberia to live as free men. As Liberia is over 85% Christian, many Liberians emphasize going to church to give thanks on this day. The holiday is also celebrated with family gatherings and meals consisting of such dishes as roast chicken, green bean casserole, and mashed cassavas.
Tell us about some of your Thanksgiving traditions in the comments!
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