Thanksgivings Around the World

thsikes

United States: Thanksgiving

  • When: Fourth Thursday of November
  • Why: Give thanks for harvest, blessings
  • Food: Turkey, potatoes, stuffing
  • Activities: Visit family, football games, parades

Korea: Chuseok

  • When: 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar
  • Why: Celebration of a good harvest
  • Food: Songpyeon (rice cakes steamed on pine needles), japchae, bulgogi
  • Activities: Visit tombs of ancestors

China:

Zhong Qiu Jie (Harvest Moon)

  • When: 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar
  • Why: The full moon is a sign of good harvest
  • Food: Lobster, salmon, fruit, nuts, “moon cakes”
  • Activities: Family reunions, children stay up late, stay outside and moon-gaze
Japan: Tsukimi (Moon Viewing)
  • When: 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar
  • Why: Celebrate moon, rice harvest
  • Food: Dumplings made from rice
  • Activities: Parties, festivals


    • Israel: Succoth

    • When: Late September to late October
    • Why: Give thanks for crops and harvest
    • Food: Traditional food (chicken, soup, potatoes)
    • Activities: Families build sukkot (open living space) for meals and sleep during the seven days

    India: Pongal

    • When: January 14th
    • Why: Celebrate a successful harvest
    • Food: Sweet rice dish known as “pongal”
    • Activities: Family gatherings