Thanksgiving is a major part of American culture. It is a time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a bountiful feast. Yet, expressions of thankfulness extend far beyond the borders of the United States. Gratitude is a universal sentiment, and cultures around the world have their own distinct ways of celebrating and giving thanks.
Teachers, students, and their families are invited to join the International Council of Exchange Services (ICES) on a journey exploring the diverse and vibrant ways in which people in different countries commemorate gratitude.
Long before the first Europeans arrived in North America, farmers across Europe held celebrations at harvest time to give thanks for their good fortune and the abundant harvest of the year. As a sign of their gratitude, workers would fill a curved goat’s horn with fruit and grain. This symbol was called a cornucopia, or “horn of plenty.” When German settlers came to North America, they brought this tradition with them.
In South America, Brazil embraces a Thanksgiving celebration known as Dia de Ação de Graças. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, aligning with the American tradition, Brazilians partake in family gatherings, feasts, and expressions of gratitude. While not a national holiday, the spirit of thanksgiving is embraced, reflecting Brazil’s diverse and multicultural nature.
In Japan, Thanksgiving takes on a unique form known as Labor Thanksgiving Day, or Kinrō Kansha no Hi. Celebrated on November 23, this national holiday is rooted in ancient harvest festivals but has evolved to emphasize the importance of labor, productivity, and community. Japanese communities mark the day with parades, traditional ceremonies, and events that highlight the value of hard work and unity.
Venturing to West Africa, students will discover the Homowo Festival celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana. This harvest festival is a period of thanksgiving during which the Ga people express gratitude for the harvest and honor their ancestors. Rituals involve the symbolic sprinkling of Kpokpoi, a dish made from fermented corn and palm fruits, marking the end of the hunger season. The festival is believed to bring good luck, abundance, and peace to the community, highlighting the deep cultural significance of gratitude in Ghanaian society.
And in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, the state of Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal, a harvest festival that doubles as a thanksgiving celebration. Lasting for four days in mid-January, Pongal is a time for farmers to express gratitude to the sun god for a bountiful harvest. Traditional dishes such as Pongal, a sweet rice dish, are prepared, and communities come together for cultural events, dances, and festivities.
These are just a few examples of how cultures around the world express gratitude. While customs and traditions may differ, the underlying theme of giving thanks remains a common thread that weaves through the rich tapestry of global celebrations.
What does “thanksgiving” mean to your students? How do they celebrate the holiday?