Thanksgiving is a day of celebration for people all over the world. According to travel.earth ,”the history of thanksgiving dates back to the fall of 1621 where the Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest with a Thanksgiving celebration. This celebration included a grand meal, also called the ‘turkey dinner’ where the entire meal is centered on a large roasted turkey…Thanksgiving dinner is easily one of the largest eating events in the United States.” Everyone has their own special tradition on Thanksgiving that is unique to them and their family, and you’re probably familiar with the most popular Thanksgiving foods in the United States, but what does the rest of the world eat when celebrating their own harvest festivals?
United States: Turkey and Pumpkin Pie
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday is best known for its large, traditional feast, with turkey being the most popular meat of the meal. People often serve the turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham, gravy, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. A favorite dessert is pumpkin pie, a sweet pie made from pumpkin filling, which is usually served with whipped cream.
The tradition of eating turkey at Thanksgiving comes from the early settlers in New England, who hunted wild turkey and other animals. Over time, this became the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal. The pumpkin pie, on the other hand, represents the fall harvest, with pumpkins being abundant in the autumn season.
Canada: Roast Turkey and Butter Tarts
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October. Much like the American holiday, Canadians also enjoy a large family meal. The dishes are quite similar, with roast turkey being the main attraction. Canadian Thanksgiving dinners also often include side dishes like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cranberry sauce. One unique Canadian dish that stands out during the holiday is the butter tart. This dessert is a rich and gooey tart made with butter, sugar, and maple syrup, and it is a beloved treat in Canada.
The Canadian Thanksgiving is believed to have originated in the early 1600s when French settlers celebrated the harvest season. It was later influenced by British traditions, which is why many of the dishes resemble those served in the United States.
Mexico: Mole Poblano and Tamales
Mexico has its own harvest festivals that share some similarities with Thanksgiving. One of the most iconic dishes in Mexican cuisine is mole poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce made from chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. Mole is often served with turkey or chicken, making it a popular dish during harvest celebrations in Mexico.
Another popular dish around this time is tamales—corn dough stuffed with various fillings like meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed. Tamales are often made for special occasions, and the ingredients and flavors can vary by region.
Mole and tamales are often served at festivals like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), on November 1st and 2nd.
Germany: Rouladen and Red Cabbage
In Germany, the harvest festival known as Erntedankfest is celebrated in many regions. This festival takes place in late September or early October. The traditional German meal often includes roast goose or roast pork, or Rouladen, beef rolls. There is most likely red cabbage, a tangy-sweet dish made with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Potatoes are also a common side dish, often served in the form of mashed potatoes or potato dumplings.
Erntedankfest is a religious and community-focused event, where people give thanks for the harvest. The focus is on celebrating the abundance of food and the blessings of nature, and people often enjoy festive meals with family and friends.
Liberia: Jollof Rice and Roast Chicken
Liberia celebrates on the first Thursday in November. It is a day for people to give thanks for freedom and independence, as well as to celebrate the harvest. One of the most popular dishes is Liberian Jollof rice, a flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Jollof rice is a dish common to many West African countries, and each country has their distinct way of making it. Roast chicken is normally served, and dumboy (boiled and then pounded cassava) and fufu (a derivative of cassava) are also staple side dishes for Thanksgiving.
While it has similarities to American Thanksgiving, the dishes are uniquely reflective of West African flavors and ingredients.
Japan: Kinrō Kansha no Hi and Sanma
In Japan, there is a national holiday called Kinrō Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day), which is celebrated on November 23. It is a day for people to express gratitude for the hard work of others. The holiday also has roots in the ancient harvest festival, so it shares some similarities with American Thanksgiving.
One traditional dish cooked to celebrate the autumn harvest is Sanma. According to tokyoweekender.com this, “‘autumn swordfish,’ is a long and thin silver-skinned fish often found everywhere during autumn and winter months. It is one of the most sought-after kinds of seafood during the autumn months that are exclusively caught in Japanese waters. Since this fish is found in deep-sea waters, it has lower mercury and contaminants than other seafood. Sanma is rich in flavor – similar to herring or sardines, and best enjoyed grilled with a little salt, a side of grated daikon radish and some lemon…Since sanma is always served whole, it is important to enjoy everything (including the crispy skin) but bones and head.”
The Philippines: Lechon
In the Philippines, many families celebrate harvest festivals with large family feasts. A typical celebratory dish is lechon, which is normally a whole roasted pig, but more recently can be a nice slab of pork belly cooked in the oven. Lechon is often the centerpiece of major celebrations, and it is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Another popular dish is pancit, a noodle dish made with vegetables and meat, symbolizes long life and good fortune. Pancit is often served at celebrations to bring luck and prosperity. Harvest festivals and family gatherings often feature these delicious and festive dishes, making the country’s food culture rich with tradition and history.
While Thanksgiving is most closely associated with the United States, many countries around the world have their own harvest celebrations with unique dishes that reflect their local ingredients and cultural traditions. Food plays an important role in these celebrations. No matter where you are in the world, give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the year, and the food we share is a reminder of the abundance that nature provides.