By: Brandon Ruggiero

As Halloween comes to an end, and November comes around, guess what’s right around the corner? Thanksgiving, you guessed it. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November in the United States, resulting in a date shift each year. Last year it fell on November 24th, while this year it falls on November 23rd. However it’s important to keep in mind some countries and areas celebrate it on different dates and months. Thanksgiving traditions range all around the world. From gathering together for a meal to festivals, parades, religious processions, or not celebrating at all, many countries and cultures commemorate Thanksgiving differently. I hope this small list I created is informative and useful.

1

New Yam Festival – Nigeria

  The New Yam Festival is a tradition practiced in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries. It is annually held at the end of every rainy season, usually falling in early August. The purpose of this tradition is to mark the beginning and end of the farming season. As well as a celebration of life, accomplishments in the community, culture, and well being. 

2

Sukkot – Israel 

  Sukkot is a 7 day long biblical holiday celebrated on the 15th day of Tishrei, between late September and late October. During this holiday, Jewish people reflect on the struggles of Israelites during their 40 year travel through the desert, after the withdrawal of slavery in Egypt. This holiday holds many purposes, such as it being the remembrance for the period of wandering, as well as celebrating the annual harvest that provides sustenance for all people.

3

Erntedankfest – Germany

  Erntedankfest is a religiously dominated festival that falls on the first Sunday in October. It is a celebration where churches run the show. Catholics and Protestants celebrate and attend church services during this celebration. This event is centered on giving thanks for the year’s harvest and grain. In multiple church services giant baskets filled with rich food are blessed, and distributed to the poor.

4

The Kadazan Festival – Malaysia

  The Kadazan Festival is celebrated in May. This festival worships rice as an extension of the creator and the source of thriving life and existence on Earth. The creator Bambaazon is celebrated for facilitating life on Earth. The purpose of this festival is to give thanks to the creator who made the people’s most prized staple of life. 

Sources 

https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gobble-up-these-7-thanksgiving-traditions-around-the-world