Written by Faith Crippen
We all know the story of Thanksgiving and the common celebrations and traditions associated with it in modern-day America, but that is not the narrative for the remainder of the world. Many countries hold similar holidays to Thanksgiving, though the origins and practices vary across all of those said countries.
Malaysians, for example, celebrate what is known as The Kadazan festival, founded on the story of Bambaazon, the Malaysian god who sacrificed his daughter to save his people and provide them with bountiful harvests. Much like Thanksgiving, the Kadazan festival revolves around the idea of gratitude and thanks. Meanwhile, in China, the Harvest Moon Festival is commonly celebrated. Also based on thankfulness, the Harvest Moon Festival is founded on the Chinese peoples’ appreciation and admiration for the moon.
This worldwide theme of gratefulness is also expressed in other holidays such as Erntedankfest in Germany or Sukkot in Israel. Though all of the listed examples and many more are vastly different in origin and practice, the overall idea of thanksgiving is conveyed through them all. Holidays like these give people and groups the opportunity to come together and rejoice, providing a sense of alliance and family.
Works Cited:
Haynes, Kelsey. “7 Thanksgiving Traditions Around the World.” GoAbroad.com, www.goabroad.com/articles/gobble-up-these-7-thanksgiving-traditions-around-the-world