Thanksgiving in the U.S.
Thanksgiving is one of the most significant, widely-celebrated events in the entire United States. We’re all aware of the story: the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag, and the feast. Seems pretty straightforward, right? In America, we have always celebrated Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November (except for in 1938, which was the year when FDR decided to go rogue). We Americans partake in the yearly festivities by carving over 200 million turkeys, sparing one, and arguing with relatives at the dinner table.
Thanksgiving Across the Globe
So, what happens in other countries? That is to say, are other people around the globe also thankful for Thanksgiving?
Australia
The Aussies were inspired by American whaling ships, and the month of November was never the same. Australians celebrate the “Day of Thanks” on the last Wednesday of the month of November. Other than the date on which Thanksgiving occurs, the Australian celebration of the holiday is pretty similar to ours, especially in terms of turkey consumption. It is important to note that due to the origin of the holiday in Australia, Thanksgiving is primarily celebrated on Norfolk Island, the point of contact with the American ships that brought the holiday.
Brazil
In Brazil, Thanksgiving became a federal holiday on August 17, 1949. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month of November, which is the same day that the U.S. celebrates the holiday. Brazilians observe the holiday in a more non-secular manner than Americans do; it has ties to Protestant denominations of Christianity in Brazil.
Canada
Canadians recognize their thanks on the second Monday in October. The occasion was recognized with religious connotations at its origin and continues to be celebrated in churches; however, the holiday is primarily celebrated in Canada on a cultural, secular level. The menu features many American-Thanksgiving staples, including turkey, potatoes, and apple pie.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a holiday of the orthodox Protestant Church. It’s called Dankdag, and its ties to Christianity make it a religious occasion. Dankdag is celebrated on the first Wednesday of November every year, and once again, its observers dig into some turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Philippines
Thanksgiving in the Philippines was demoted last year: it is no longer an officially recognized holiday. That being said, many Filipino families continue to embrace the special day, and feast upon turkey and the other American staples. Due to the Philippines’ former status as an American colony during the first half of the twentieth century, those that continue to celebrate the holiday do so on the same day that Americans do.
Rwanda
The Harvest Thanksgiving in Rwanda is called Umuganura. Umuganura is celebrated yearly on the first Friday in August. While the holiday originated as a celebration of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, it now serves as a symbol of the nation’s social progress and economic growth. It is usually celebrated with a traditional dance followed by a large feast featuring sorghum and millet (locally grown cereals).
So, why does this matter?
The worldwide presence of Thanksgiving is undeniable. It’s important for us to remember and recognize what we are thankful for. This year let’s make sure we express our gratitude and eat lots of turkey!
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