Thanksgiving Around the World
By: Taylor Muenzberg
Everyone knows about thanksgiving in America. You get a few days off of school, and go see family members you haven’t seen in a long time, and even the few that you don’t really want to see. You get to pig out on turkey and that delicious apple pie your Aunt makes every year; who doesn’t like this holiday? Different countries celebrate their own versions of Christmas, the New Years, Halloween; what about Thanksgiving?
The concept behind Thanksgiving is similar to the August Moon Festival in China, Cerelia in Rome, Dia de Acao de Gracas in Brazil, Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam, and Chusok in Korea; The list is endless. The only difference in the festivals is date, rituals and customs but the reason behind it remains the same: to thank God for a huge fruitful harvest.
China
The Chinese celebrate the August Moon festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of their calendar (The 8th of September this year). Chinese believe that the moon is roundest and brightest on this day. Below the moonlight, lovers speak out their heart to each other. It is also known as the Women Festival. Conventionally women are considered similes to warm and compassionate virtues and have the gift of fertility, just like Mother Earth. Unlike the famous pumpkin pie, the Chinese treats consist of moon-cake. Friends and relatives give each other moon cake as a token of their love and friendship.
The concept behind Thanksgiving is similar to the August Moon Festival in China, Cerelia in Rome, Dia de Acao de Gracas in Brazil, Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam, and Chusok in Korea; The list is endless. The only difference in the festivals is date, rituals and customs but the reason behind it remains the same: to thank God for a huge fruitful harvest.
China
The Chinese celebrate the August Moon festival, which falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of their calendar (The 8th of September this year). Chinese believe that the moon is roundest and brightest on this day. Below the moonlight, lovers speak out their heart to each other. It is also known as the Women Festival. Conventionally women are considered similes to warm and compassionate virtues and have the gift of fertility, just like Mother Earth. Unlike the famous pumpkin pie, the Chinese treats consist of moon-cake. Friends and relatives give each other moon cake as a token of their love and friendship.
Rome
The Roman harvest festival, known as Cerelia is celebrated in the honor of the deity, Ceres. She is their goddess of corn (from which the word cereal comes). Their festival takes place on October 4th and it was a custom to sacrifice fruits, grains and animals to the Goddess. The celebration included parades, music, games, sports and a Thanksgiving feast.
The Roman harvest festival, known as Cerelia is celebrated in the honor of the deity, Ceres. She is their goddess of corn (from which the word cereal comes). Their festival takes place on October 4th and it was a custom to sacrifice fruits, grains and animals to the Goddess. The celebration included parades, music, games, sports and a Thanksgiving feast.
Brazil
The Brazilian thanksgiving is more modern compared to American thanksgiving. When the Ambassador of Brazil visited the United States at the invitation of National Cathedral of Washington, D.C., he was enamored by the concept and brought it to his homeland. The Thanksgiving Day in Brazil is commemorated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday has been named 'Dia de Acao de Gracas' (‘Thanksgiving Day’ in Portuguese). Their holiday is celebrated to express gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty for the abundant harvest throughout the year and for all his blessings. It is also known for its huge carnival.
The Brazilian thanksgiving is more modern compared to American thanksgiving. When the Ambassador of Brazil visited the United States at the invitation of National Cathedral of Washington, D.C., he was enamored by the concept and brought it to his homeland. The Thanksgiving Day in Brazil is commemorated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday has been named 'Dia de Acao de Gracas' (‘Thanksgiving Day’ in Portuguese). Their holiday is celebrated to express gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty for the abundant harvest throughout the year and for all his blessings. It is also known for its huge carnival.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, people celebrate the Tết Trung Thu Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival) in September or in early October. This fall celebration is also known as the Children’s Festival. The Vietnamese believe children are symbols of innocence and purity -- the closest connection to the sacred and natural world. Children light lanterns and perform lion dances as part of the celebration. This is the second most important holiday tradition in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, people celebrate the Tết Trung Thu Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival) in September or in early October. This fall celebration is also known as the Children’s Festival. The Vietnamese believe children are symbols of innocence and purity -- the closest connection to the sacred and natural world. Children light lanterns and perform lion dances as part of the celebration. This is the second most important holiday tradition in Vietnam.
Korea
The celebration falls on 15th of August, which is known as Chuseok (meaning "fall evening" in Korean). It begins on 14th night and continues after for three days. The family gathers beneath the moonlight, in remembrance of their ancestors and forefathers. The children dress in long-prescribed dress dancing in circle with an inherent desire of their blessing. Afterwards, the Koreans make a dish called 'Songpyon' consisting of rice, beans, sesame seeds and chestnuts.
The celebration falls on 15th of August, which is known as Chuseok (meaning "fall evening" in Korean). It begins on 14th night and continues after for three days. The family gathers beneath the moonlight, in remembrance of their ancestors and forefathers. The children dress in long-prescribed dress dancing in circle with an inherent desire of their blessing. Afterwards, the Koreans make a dish called 'Songpyon' consisting of rice, beans, sesame seeds and chestnuts.