Thanksgiving Traditions

When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, there are many different traditions that families around the world follow. Some of these traditions are more well-known, such as cooking a turkey or gathering around the table with loved ones. However, there are also many unique and lesser-known Thanksgiving traditions that are just as special. Here are a few of the most unique Thanksgiving traditions from around the world.

What is Thanksgiving and When is it Celebrated

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It originated as a harvest festival, and today is also a time to give thanks for all the good things in life. Families typically get together for a big meal, and many people travel to be with family and friends.

Thanksgiving has been celebrated in America since the early 1600s. The first Thanksgiving was held by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in 1621. They invited their Native American neighbors to join them for a three-day feast. Today, Thanksgiving is still about giving thanks and spending time with loved ones, but it’s also become commercialized, with Black Friday sales starting the day after Thanksgiving. How do I say it?

A Typical Thanksgiving Feast

When it comes to Thanksgiving, most Americans know what to expect: a big turkey dinner with all the fixings. But did you know that the traditional Thanksgiving feast is a relatively new tradition?

It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that turkey became the centerpiece of the holiday meal. Before that, goose was more commonly served. And while today we enjoy pumpkin pie for dessert, early American colonists were more likely to eat fruit or nut pies.

So, while the modern Thanksgiving feast may not be as old as you thought, it’s still a delicious way to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for all our blessings.

Unique Thanksgiving Traditions from Around the World

When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, every country has their own unique way of doing things. Here are some of the most interesting Thanksgiving traditions from around the world:

In Germany, many people celebrate Erntedankfest, which is a harvest festival that takes place in late September or early October. This festival is all about giving thanks for a good harvest, and people often decorate their homes with autumnal decorations like straw and corn.

In Korea, there is a special holiday called Chuseok which is all about giving thanks to your ancestors. Families get together and enjoy a feast of traditional Korean food, and they also exchange gifts. On this day, people also visit their family gravesites to pay respects.

In China, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the harvest. There is also a harvest moon that comes out during this time of year. The holiday is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. People give thanks for the harvest by going to the moonlight and enjoying moon cakes.

In Japan, this time of year is called Obon. It’s a time to remember ancestors who have passed. There are festivals that take place all over the country, and families come together to honor their dead and enjoy traditional foods such as dumplings.

Thanksgiving Traditions in the US

In the United States, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and to spend time with family. But not all families celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way. From eating unusual dishes to playing strange games, here are some unique Thanksgiving traditions from around the country.

New Orleans

In New Orleans, Louisiana, some families serve a dish called gumbo z’herbes on Thanksgiving Day. This dish is made with greens and can be very spicy. Other families in Louisiana make a dessert called pralines, which are candies made with sugar, cream, and pecans.

Massachusetts

In Plymouth, Massachusetts, the site of the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, many families visit Plymouth Rock on Thanksgiving Day. This tradition started in 1741 when pilgrims from Boston placed a large boulder at the site of their original landing.

New York City

When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, New Yorkers do it up big. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy in the city. But what about some of the more unique and lesser-known traditions?

One popular tradition is the Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade. This event, which takes place on Thanksgiving Day, features costumed canines strutting their stuff for all to see. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support your local furry friends!

North Carolina

When it comes to unique Thanksgiving traditions, North Carolina has a lot to offer. From the annual Yams for Everyone festival in Asheville to the famous Tryon Palace Thanksgiving Celebration in New Bern, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday in the Tar Heel State. Here are just a few of our favorite NC Thanksgiving traditions.

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the town of Asheville comes together for the Yams for Everyone festival. The event features live music, yam-themed games and activities, and of course, plenty of delicious yam dishes to enjoy. It’s a great way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit and start your holiday feast planning!

In New Bern, the Tryon Palace Thanksgiving Celebration is a can’t-miss event. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, as well as traditional crafts demonstrations. The celebration culminates on Thanksgiving morning with a traditional turkey dinner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these unique Thanksgiving traditions from around the world are a reminder that no matter where you come from, we can all come together and give thanks. So, whether you’re getting your turkey fix in Turkey, celebrating with a feast in Japan, or giving thanks in the good old U.S. of A., make sure to take a moment this Thanksgiving to appreciate all that you have.