Thanksgiving is a well-known holiday all over the world! Here in the USA, it is most known for spending time with loved ones, giving thanks, parades, football, and mostly the food! Most people have the basic turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dinner rolls, and the iconic pumpkin pie. On Turkey Day, we spend time watching either the Macy’s parade or a football game. But have you ever wondered what other countries may do for Thanksgiving? We’ll go over some of the history, popular foods, and traditions on Thanksgiving from three other countries. Though their celebrations may vary in tradition, timing, and origin, they are all connected to the autumn harvest!

Japan: Japan celebrates something called Labor Thanksgiving on November 23, which is a holiday they use to celebrate and honor workers and production. A tradition is children making gifts for workers, like firefighters and police officers. They all gather for a meal to show appreciation and gratitude towards the year’s harvest and labor. Some of the food eaten in that meal includes sekihan (a red rice), kabocha pumpkin dishes, and karaage (a popular deep-fried dish). 

Germany: Germany celebrates Thanksgiving with a very similar festival, Erntedankfest. They celebrate this on the first Sunday of October. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, it is a more community-centered celebration than a family-centered holiday. But, just like the American Thanksgiving, it focuses primarily on giving thanks for the harvest with a huge meal. The meal in Germany typically includes roasted goose, potato dumplings, and red cabbage. 

Liberia: Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November. Their traditions include religious services, dancing, and feasting! Though they have some similarities to the American Thanksgiving, it is very different when it comes to the feast. Instead of turkey, Liberians typically eat spicy foods like roast chicken, jollof rice, and mashed cassava. This holiday for them has historical roots relating to the freed slaves. It is celebrated as a day of peace and resilience.