How gratitude and thankfulness are seen and celebrated across the world

We are just hours away from the annual tradition known as Thanksgiving here in Canada. It’s the most important holiday during autumn, and it’s a time for Canadians to get together with their loved ones, share stories and be grateful for the blessings they received throughout the year. 

Not surprisingly, many countries worldwide celebrate their version of Thanksgiving as well. Some, such as the United States, hold a lot of similarities to Canada’s Thanksgiving. Both countries partake of a bountiful feast with their families and it wouldn’t be complete without the turkey, the centrepiece of the occasion. Meanwhile, most countries have their own specific holiday with particular customs. 

For example, Brazil’s celebration, while taking heavy inspiration from America’s, has its own cultural flavour. After the Brazilian Ambassador at the time visited the States and had tons of stories to tell about the wonderful November holiday he took part in, their version of Thanksgiving was born. To appeal to the sensibilities of the Brazilian people, their version of the holiday has two very important things the country holds dear - masses to start the morning and parties that last all night. 

In China, their version of the holiday is the Moon Festival. At the time when they believe the moon is to look its best, they pay homage to it during a two-day celebration for the whole family capped off with the signature dish known as moon cakes. For Koreans, Thanksgiving is a massive three-day holiday where airports and roads are at their busiest, as everyone travels to go see their families. This holiday is called Chuseok, which also serves as a holiday where they pay tribute to their ancestors who have passed away. 

Japan’s way of Thanksgiving is one that is a unique mix of two existing holidays in the States. For them, Thanksgiving Day honours employees and the working class, not too different from the American Labor Day. For the Philippines, Thanksgiving was celebrated as an actual holiday from the ‘30s to ‘70s. However, after the People Power revolution, the holiday was abolished, yet the spirit of thanksgiving as a whole lives on today in the form of fiestas big and small held all over the country all year round. 

While it’s smack dab in the middle of their well-renowned holiday Oktoberfest, Germany’s version of Thanksgiving (called Erntedankfest) doesn’t get much traction compared to its more cheerful counterpart. Nonetheless, Germans still have their fair share of poultry during this time, though ironically enough, their massive feasts don’t include turkey.

From these examples among countless others, it’s interesting to see how other countries celebrate Thanksgiving in their own special way. However, in the end, an occasion isn’t necessarily needed when one wants to practice thankfulness and gratitude. Beyond the holidays and delightful get-togethers, we can still practice being grateful in the smallest of ways.

Journaling and keeping track of what makes you happy. Saying “thank you” to other people’s acts of kindness. Even giving gifts to your loved ones as a sign of appreciation. Being grateful and being in the moment can happen at any place and any time no matter where in the world you are, and carrying this gratitude can not only help us appreciate the past but also be more excited for the future. 

~ Miguel Asistio, Member of the Taylor Way Team