This was such a popular post last time around that I thought I’d share again. Here are a few fun and interesting (I think) customs that people from across the globe do for the Autumn season.
In Korea, the harvest festival is called Chusok. Families take this time to thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. Native Americans say the moon shines the brightest during this time of the year. Thus, they call the month of September the Harvest Moon. In Canada, the Harvest Moon is celebrated on the second Monday in October. It is the Canadian Thanksgiving Day.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November. Families get together for a big feast with turkey and grandma’s apple pie. But in the Far East, Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier. In China and Vietnam, the family feast includes mooncakes and round fruits — symbols of togetherness.
In Israel, the harvest festival is called Succoth. The celebration lasts for seven days. Jewish families build outdoor booths during the Succoth celebration.
In India, the harvest celebration is called Pongal or the Rice Harvest Festival. Families take this time to thank all those who have contributed to a successful harvest — including the gods, the sun and the cattle.
In Ghana and Nigeria, the harvest festival is also named after a food. It is the Yam Festival. The celebration starts in the beginning of August at the end of the rainy season.
In the United States, the Kwanzaa celebration is based on African harvest traditions. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili. The celebration starts on December 26 and lasts for 7 days.
While the harvest is celebrated differently in different parts of the world, there are many common themes. The spirit of thanksgiving, the love of family, the value of hard work and the appreciation of the land and celestial powers are found in all cultures. (www.familycuture.com)
