What German Holiday Is Like Thanksgiving?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In the German-speaking countries, Thanksgiving is an autumn harvest celebration called

Erntedank or Erntedankfest (“harvest thanksgiving festival”)

. The observance usually takes place in September or October, depending on the region.

Do other countries have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a national celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada,

Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia

. … Similarly named festival holidays occur in Germany and Japan.

Does Germany have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is called „Erntedankfest“ in Germany. And whilst

it is no public holiday in Germany it is still a popular period of the year

. Mostly, it is celebrated by the churches and less within the families, but the history and the meaning is taught in kindergarten and school (especially primary school).

What are some differences between German and American Thanksgiving?

In Germany they celebrate Thanksgiving as a harvest day and America celebrates this day as day to give thanks to the pilgrims and the big feast that they had. The food that they eat is usually turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. … Unlike in America,

German children usually do not go trick-or-treating.

What other holidays does Germany celebrate?

  • What holidays do German people celebrate? …
  • New Year's Day | January, 1. …
  • Three Kings Day | January, 6. …
  • Carnival | February, 16. …
  • Good Friday | April, 2. …
  • Easter Monday | April, 5. …
  • Labor Day | May 1st. …
  • Mother's Day | May, 9.

What are three other countries that celebrate Thanksgiving?

  • Liberia: Liberia brought the Thanksgiving tradition directly from America, owing to its beginnings as a resettlement colony for freed black Americans. …
  • Canada. (Shutterstock) …
  • Australia. …
  • Japan. …
  • United Kingdom. …
  • Germany. …
  • India. …
  • The Philippines.

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving Day, annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating

the harvest and other blessings of the past year

. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people

What do Germans eat on Erntedankfest?

Common food during Erntedankfest are harvested crops and bread. German food like

rouladen

is served, but there used to be no “traditional Erntedankfest food” like how it is in America with turkey, pumpkin pie, and mashed potatoes.

What do they eat for Thanksgiving in Germany?

There's really no one meal for this holiday that's served throughout Germany. For us, and for most Germans, it was what we all liked the best. And, that's

rouladen, red cabbage, and potato dumplings

with lots and lots of wonderful rouladen gravy.

Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany?

At the same date as in Canada, the Germans celebrate their Thanksgiving (

Erntedankfest

). During the celebration, which is usually held in a church but also regionally as a procession, crops, cereals, and fruit are decoratively arranged.

Is NOV 11 a holiday in Germany?


Martin's Day (Martinstag)

on November 11 is a religious observance in Germany that is particularly popular with children. It is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours and celebrates modesty and altruism – both values commonly associated with the Saint.

What is the main religion in Germany?

The main religion in Germany is

Christianity

, with around two-thirds of the population identifying as Christian. The number that actively practices Christianity in the form of church attendance, however, is significantly lower.

What is the most popular tradition in Germany?


Oktoberfest – also known as Wiesn

– is the most famous German tradition, but there are several lesser-known traditions that are just as interesting as well as more original.

What country started Thanksgiving?

How did Thanksgiving start? Colonists in

New England and Canada

regularly observed “thanksgivings,” days of prayer for such blessings as safe journeys, military victories, or abundant harvests. Americans model their holiday on a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag

Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?


Thanksgiving is definitely a religious holiday rooted in the Christian tradition of our country

. … Hence, America's first Thanksgiving was about prayer and thanksgiving to God.

How many countries celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is not solely an American holiday. While you may have heard about Canadian Thanksgiving, there is a slew of other nations that have designated a day to give thanks. There are a whopping

17 countries

that celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.