How are Thanksgiving customs different around the world?

Thanksgiving was originated in the US and Canada to thank a good crop. This holiday was first celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November 1621 and persists to this day. However, the specific date and time will be slightly different from country to country. Because of the meaning of celebrating the bumper harvest day, this holiday has been celebrated by many countries around the world, including countries in Asia and Europe.

1. America

America is the "birthplace" of Thanksgiving, so it is impossible not to visit this country to find out.

Americans thank God for a bountiful harvest. This holiday in the US can be compared to Tet in Vietnam. Thanksgiving Day in the United States remains the same as tradition; it's the 4th Thursday of November. If you're in the US, you'll have 4 days off from Thursday to Sunday; Pretty convenient, isn't it, after Thanksgiving, there will be plenty of time to fight Black Friday.

Because this is also the time to harvest blueberries, people in Massachusetts, the Southwest region of the United States also hold blueberry cake-making contests.

2. Canada

Referring to the United States, it is impossible not to mention Canada, one of the two countries "born" of this great holiday.

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October; Although they originally celebrated the day on a Thursday in November, instead of enjoying turkey like the Americans, they ate bacon or lamb and La tourtiere – a baked cake made with mashed potatoes, meat. minced rabbit/beef

On Thanksgiving Day, family members will gather together, share memorable moments, pray for a bountiful harvest next year, and thank the Almighty for helping them during this season. last service.

3. The UK

Interestingly, Thanksgiving Day in the UK has no specific date; The time of the organization will depend entirely on the weather and cultural conditions of the region. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it!?

If to calculate a little more accurately, September - the end of summer will be the time when Thanksgiving is celebrated across the UK. The harvest season will begin when apples, wheat and especially corn are harvested. You know, the last bunch of corn will be extremely appreciated by the people and considered as luck. They would bring their harvest and plowshares to the church to pray, as according to British custom this would bring a good harvest for the following year.

4. Austria

Harvest Festival in Austria is the time when everyone enjoys the most relaxed, fun time of the year. This is quite an important period because it marks the beginning of a new wine season – Heurigen in Austria.

Yes, the Austrians will celebrate Thanksgiving for alcohol. If you fly to Austria around this time you will have the opportunity to participate in pilgrimages to Klosterneuberg Abbey - the "capital" of the famous wine Leopolsberg. Parades, performances with music will take place continuously during this time, so it would be a pity if you missed this good opportunity to learn about Austrian culture, especially the culture of Thanksgiving. Thank you.

5. Greece

If you have read through Greek Mythology, you must know about the goddess of the harvest Demeter - who takes care of the crops of the people here. Of course, the Greeks always worshiped and respected her. Every autumn - the harvest season, they will hold a festival of Thesmosphoria for 3 days to show their gratitude to Demeter.

Food such as corn, cakes, fruits, and pigs will be offered to the goddess in the hope that the next year will be equally bountiful.

6. China & Korea

You will surely be surprised when I reveal this secret: Thanksgiving Day in China and Korea is the full moon day of the Mid-Autumn Festival – August 15 of the lunar calendar – around September or October of the solar calendar. This holiday is even considered the second biggest holiday after the Lunar New Year.

For Koreans, this is an opportunity for them to spend a long time with their loved ones and pay respects to their elders. Especially the women will gather and sing the traditional song "Kang Kang Sue Wol Lae".