Every year in the United States, we would celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. On this day, we would take a break from all our work and spend a cozy time with our families and friends. But do you know how other people in the world celebrate the holiday? People from Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and India all have similar yet different aspects from how we celebrate the holiday from the United States.
Canada
Different from the U.S., Canadian Thanksgiving often starts on the second Monday of October. Their celebration is combined with different traditions, including turkey from the American culture, and as well as salmon from their own dishes. Similar to the U.S., Canada does celebrate the holiday by watching CFL Football games and sharing the time with family members.
Australia
Thanksgiving in Australia is also very similar to the U.S., with the topic of “giving thanks” and “cheering the time with friends and families.” Australians often celebrate it on the last Wednesday of November. People from Australia would celebrate the holiday by eating roast chicken, lamb, sweet potato, or even seafood.
Japan
In Japan, people would call the holiday “Labor Thanksgiving Day”, usually happening on the 23rd of November. Japanese people would celebrate it by setting up events commemorating labor, production, and peace. School kids would make cards giving thanks to parents, teachers, police officers, fire fighters, and all other people who are working hard in the society.
United Kingdom
The Harvest festival in the U.K. is actually the closest direct antecedent of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. As early in ancient Britain, every time after the harvest, people would gather together and celebrate their harvests by having meals and spending a joyful time. Today, the U.K. would celebrate the holiday during September or October, and food collections for donations are very common on these days.
India
In India, the holiday is called “Thai Pongal”, and people celebrate it by praising the Sun God and its history can be traced back to more than 10 centuries. The holiday is often celebrated in January, and usually takes up to 4 days. Similar festivals like Makar Sankranti and Puspuni are also celebrated throughout the years in India.