In October, we recognize that Thanksgiving is well celebrated internationally. Canadians celebrate in October, Germans celebrate in October, and Australians celebrate the last Wednesday in November. It is a holiday that is recognized throughout the world.
This traditional American holiday has long-roots in the harvest. Just imagine that you move across the entire world to start life brand new, and you have no idea if your farm will thrive at all. That was how many Pilgrims felt when they had enough to store food and keep it available for them to survive another year.
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Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the fruits of the season and the produce that was grown and made during the summer months.
In fact, America did not establish this holiday as an official day until Sarah Josepha Hale lobbied this holiday. Yes, this New Hampshire born woman, the author of “Marys Lamb” (or “Mary had a little lamb”) petitioned Abraham Lincoln to make the proclamation for this holiday in 1862 and 1863. It wasn’t until 1941 that U.S. Congress officially signed this holiday to confirm it on the last Thursday in November.
This amazing woman had petitioned multiple times in American history to include the holiday of Thanksgiving. She insisted the day be the last Thursday in November because of its proximity to George Washington’s birthday. Although she did not consider herself a feminist, she has an amazing career where she affected the folklore of American history.
Our country is not the only country to recognize this holiday
That is right! America is not the only country to celebrate this revered holiday, and it even has ties to the Dutch bringing some of their traditions into establishing this beloved holiday in the Americas. In modern times, the Netherlands celebrate American Thanksgiving as they reach back to old traditions on the same day.
Wait, other countries celebrate Thanksgiving in October?
In October, the following countries celebrate Thanksgiving: Germany, Grenada, Canada, and Saint Lucia. Germany’s long-lasting traditions of Erntedankfest (harvest festival of thanks) is celebrated differently in certain regions. Not to be confused with Oktoberfest, Erntedankfest is often the first Sunday or Monday in October. If you are looking at German observances and holidays, it seems as if Oktoberfest runs all the way into their traditional Thanksgiving.
Another interesting point of history is with Grenada. They celebrate their Thanksgiving due to the tumultuous political climate back in the 1980s. Since receiving freedom from American intervention, they celebrate their moment of thanks with saving the country from resolving to a dictatorship. This unique part of history is a memorial of freedom and a special thank you to the Americans helping them.
Who else celebrates Thanksgiving in November?
In November the following countries celebrate Thanksgiving: United States, Australia, and Liberia. The United States has many of their traditions dating far back, and influences from Europe. Australia is unique in their celebration because it is not normally a time to celebrate moments of harvest. Since they are on the opposite side of the equator, they’re in transition to their summer months. In some general searches, Australia does use a lot of similar themes and foods to that of American Thanksgiving.
Why do we discuss Thanksgiving in October
I have many fond memories of the family farm during this season. It was the changing weather, the colors of the leaves change in North America, and farmers are keeping a tight eye on the weather so they could reap their harvest before the first frost. These memories stem back to the family farm and the incredible bounty of food that we collected and grew during that year. Nothing really beats having a memory of making your own food and having more than enough for several months.
If you’ve had your opportunity to work and grow food on a dairy farm, you’ll have an incredible opportunity with food that is normally bought at a supermarket. The best part was the home-fed turkeys and having enough of these massive birds (largest was 42 pounds fully dressed!) as your main course of the meal.
Thinking about the previous year and reflecting on your hard work gives a sense of satisfaction and completion of all this hard work. You admire the work and realize that it continues on as we transition through the reset of seasons. It makes you contemplate the sowing and reaping seasons as the earth begins its transition.
Why Should I know About Thanksgiving?
This holiday is highly favored in the United States. It has deep roots back to what brought the settlers from another continent, improving communication throughout the world, and the endurance of the human spirit. A lot of historical sites will have an event related to this major holiday. I’m not just talking about Plymouth, Jamestown, or Colonial Williamsburg. Many American traditions relate to these historical sites and you can gather quite the education from these sites.
Preparing for Thanksgiving in advance, avoid the rush at the market
This will get really interesting in the next two weeks. Pre-make your pies into reheatable pans, make your schedules, shop for your kitchen before this weekend. Make it possible to prevent any trips to the market the Wednesday before so you will not compete for an item that may or may not be in stock. Or, if you’re willing to wait, a longer lead time makes it easier for the next family to enjoy their Thanksgiving.
In conclusion
This is a very enjoyable holiday throughout the world. There are many different traditions passed down through families, celebrations in your culture, and different choices for sides and main dishes. At the Homeeconomy.com we want to find the great stuff that life has to offer, and Thanksgiving as a holiday is no exception. In the comments in your posts and below, leave your favorite dish, and what your biggest tradition you use as a family.
