Thanksgiving Celebrations in Canada and Germany

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What event is considered the first-ever Thanksgiving celebration in North America?

The first-ever Thanksgiving celebration is the ceremony held by Martin Frobisher in 1578 in Nunavut.

How did American Loyalists influence Canadian Thanksgiving traditions?

Loyalists introduced turkey and other customs from American Thanksgiving to Canada.

When did Canada officially establish a national Thanksgiving Day?

Canada established a national Thanksgiving Day in 1879.

What is the German equivalent of Thanksgiving called?

The German equivalent of Thanksgiving is called Erntedankfest. Signup and view all the answers

What do celebrants typically carry to the church during Erntedankfest?

Celebrants typically carry an Erntekrone, or harvest crown, of grains, fruit, and flowers. Signup and view all the answers

What historical event led to the establishment of Thanksgiving in Liberia?

Thanksgiving in Liberia was established by freed slaves from the United States in the early 1820s. Signup and view all the answers

What is the designated day for National Thanksgiving Day in Liberia?

The first Thursday of November is designated as National Thanksgiving Day in Liberia. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do Canadian Thanksgiving traditions resemble American ones?

Canadian Thanksgiving traditions include eating turkey and watching football with family. Signup and view all the answers

What are some traditional foods associated with Thanksgiving in Liberia?

Spicy roast chicken and mashed cassavas. Signup and view all the answers

What historical event led to the establishment of Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan?

The modern tradition began in 1948, three years after World War II ended. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Thanksgiving tradition start on Norfolk Island?

It began in the mid-1890s when American trader Isaac Robinson hosted an American-style Thanksgiving service. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of October 25 in Grenada?

It marks the anniversary of the U.S. military invasion that restored order after Maurice Bishop's ousting. Signup and view all the answers

What activities do children participate in during Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day?

Children often make thank-you cards for local municipal workers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of music and activities are part of the Thanksgiving tradition in Liberia?

Live music and dancing are important components of the celebration. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main decorative elements brought by parishioners during Norfolk Island’s Thanksgiving service?

Fruits, vegetables, and cornstalks are used for decoration. Signup and view all the answers

How did U.S. soldiers influence the Thanksgiving tradition in Grenada?

They informed local citizens about American Thanksgiving traditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Canada

First Thanksgiving celebration in North America predates the American one by over 40 years.
Occurred in 1578, by English navigator Martin Frobisher in present-day Nunavut.
First Nations and Native Americans held harvest festivals beforehand.
Loyalists introduced turkey and other customs from American Thanksgiving during the Revolutionary War.
National Thanksgiving Day established in 1879 (November 6).
Changed to the second Monday of October in 1957.
Similar traditions to American Thanksgiving include eating turkey and watching football.

Germany

German Thanksgiving equivalent is Erntedankfest ("harvest festival of thanks").
Often held on the first Sunday in October, usually following Michaelistag on September 29.
Various dates in September and October.
Rural areas observe the harvest more literally.
Churches in cities also participate.
Celebrants carry an Erntekrone (harvest crown) to church.
Food includes Masthühnchen (fattened chickens) or Kapaun (castrated roosters).

Liberia

An unusual location for an American-style Thanksgiving.
Freed slaves from the U.S. established it in early 1820s.
Established by the American Colonization Society.
National Thanksgiving Day declared on the first Thursday of November in the early 1880s.
Largely a Christian holiday.
Churches auction off fruit baskets.
Local families feast.
Food includes roast chicken and mashed cassavas.
Live music and dancing are part of the tradition.

Japan

Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) evolved from an ancient rice harvest festival, Niinamesai.
Roots trace back to the seventh century.
Established on November 23 during the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
Modern tradition began in 1948, after WWII.
Celebrates the rights of Japanese workers.
Observed as a national holiday, but with limited feasting.
Labor organizations lead events focused on hard work and community.
Children make thank-you cards for essential workers.

Norfolk Island

Remote island in the Pacific Ocean, former British penal colony.
Thanksgiving tradition in the mid-1890s, from American trader Isaac Robinson.
Organized American-style Thanksgiving service to attract visiting American whalers.
Held in All Saints Church, Kingston.
Celebrated on the last Wednesday of November annually.
Decorations include fruit, vegetables, and corn stalks.
American hymns are sung.

Grenada

Celebrates Thanksgiving Day on October 25.
Marks the anniversary of the joint Caribbean and U.S. military invasion in 1983 to restore order after a coup.
U.S. soldiers shared American Thanksgiving traditions with the local citizens.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the unique Thanksgiving traditions in Canada and Germany. Learn about the origins, customs, and the evolution of the celebrations in both countries. This quiz compares the historical context and cultural significance of these harvest festivals.