Almost every American knows that Thanksgiving is a gratitude fest, not some bizarre turkey-worshiping ritual where we bow down to our feathered friends, then gobble them up. However, there are those who’d humorously suggest it’s more of a day dedicated to revering the pigskin than the pumpkin pie. And truth be told, they might have a point. Besides the sacred Super Bowl Sunday, Thanksgiving Day emerges as the heavyweight champion of football viewership, drawing in more fans than just about any other day on the calendar.
The Pilgrims’ inaugural harvest in Plymouth, now Massachusetts, warranted a hearty celebration back in October 1621. They threw a 3-day shindig, which was quite the hoot! The guest list featured 53 of those hearty Mayflower survivors and 90 Native Americans. But let’s be clear, there was nary a Macy’s parade float in sight, not a touchdown pass or a field goal in the playbook, and turkey wasn’t on the menu!
Now, let’s make one thing clear – that three-day feast didn’t lead to what we now call ‘Black Friday. or that wild shopping frenzy that steals the spotlight as the busiest shopping day of the year. Those Pilgrims probably needed a good nap after all that feasting, instead of a shopping spree!
Now, let’s embark on a world tour of Thanksgiving quirks.
It comes as a delightful surprise to discover countries like Grenada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, Brazil, and the Philippines have their own unique twists on ‘thanksgiving.’ These places are proof that gratitude knows no borders. Even the far-off Australian territory of Norfolk Island and the picturesque Dutch town of Leiden doff their caps to this thankful tradition. It’s like a worldwide gratitude party with a side of local flair!
Great Britain observes its own tradition of giving thanks for the harvest in November. The celebration is thought to go back mucho centuries, finally taking hold nationwide during the reign of Henry VIII.
Canada’s focus is much along the same lines as the Americans. Their feast day is the second Monday of October. Hiking and apple-picking often round out the family gatherings.
Liberia was settled by former American slaves. They brought the tradition back with them when they returned to Africa in the 1820s.
Grenada’s observance is kinda weird. They observe it on October 25th, commemorating the U.S.-led invasion in 1983. Church services alongside feasting and parades make up the commemorative day.
South Korea honors its ancestors by families coming together and sharing traditional dishes in late September or early October. This feast is called Chuseok.
Ever noticed that all these festivities pop up during the fall? It’s like a global conspiracy to celebrate in unison. You might think they’re all just doing a harvest-themed dance, expressing their gratitude for Mother Nature’s bountiful gifts. It’s as if autumn has whispered a secret message of thanksgiving to the world, and everyone’s in on it!
So join the party and celebrate Thanksgiving like it’s 1999!