What Day Is Thanksgiving In Germany?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

(2021,

September 2

). Erntedankfest: Thanksgiving in Germany.

What is Erntedankfest Germany?

The Erntedankfest (English:

“harvest festival”

) in Düsseldorf-Urdenbach is an annual traditional celebration, incorporating most parts of this borough and attracting thousands of tourists to thank God for the gifts of harvest. … It includes church services, huge parades and music in a traditional fair atmosphere.

Do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany?

Meaning of “Erntedank” 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.

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 foods do Germans eat on Thanksgiving?

  • Baked Camembert with Red Currant Sauce. …
  • Pumpkin Crostini. …
  • Zesty Prosciutto-Sauerkaut Rolls (Fruchtig gefüllte Parmaschinken-Röllchen) …
  • Herrings with Cream Cheese Sauce. …
  • Sweet & Sour Pickled Pumpkin. …
  • Strudel with Mustard Sauce. …
  • Creamy Sauerkraut with Chives.

How did Thanksgiving start in Germany?

President Lincoln declared a national Day of Thanksgiving on

October 3, 1863

. … Thanksgiving in German Europe has a long tradition, but one that is different in many ways from that in North America. First of all, the Germanic Erntedankfest (“harvest festival of thanks”) is primarily a rural and a religious celebration.

Is Thanksgiving a holiday in Europe?


Europeans Don't Celebrate Thanksgiving

, But They Love Black Friday Sales.

How did Erntedankfest begin?

Erntedankfest started

as a rural festival

. A way of giving thanks for the Harvest, and finally relax after months of work. Today, even though harvesting is done with machines, people still give thanks, and celebrate.

Is America the only country to celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the

United

States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia. … Similarly named festival holidays occur in Germany and Japan.

Do Germans celebrate Halloween?


Halloween has been celebrated in Germany for just 25 years

, and the “trick” aspect of Halloween traditions makes many Germans angry, according to Spiegel Online, as well as the overlap with St. … Martin's Day, a holiday that follows under two weeks after Halloween on November 11.

How do Germans celebrate Erntedankfest?

The typical German, Austrian or Swiss thanksgiving celebration (Erntedankfest) is usually a

rural harvest time observance with church services, a parade, music, and a country fair atmosphere

. … Later in the day, there's more music, dancing, and food.

Why is Erntedankfest celebrated in Germany?

The Erntedankfest is a German Christian rural harvest festival celebrated by Catholics and Protestants. Erntedank literally translates as “harvest thanks.” The festival is a

means of thanking God for the harvest and for the opportunity to rest after a season of hard work

.

Is Thanksgiving a church 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.

Do Germans eat stuffing?

On December 24th and/or 25th, German Christmas food usually involves roast duck, goose, or even wild boar. This is usually served with potato dumplings, red cabbage, and apple and

sausage stuffing

. For dessert there is nothing better at Christmas than a famous Stolle fruit cake or Lebkuchen biscuits.

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 is Bonn Maibaum?

Some places let you pick your own Maibaum directly from a forest, such as the Bonn International School this year. These decorated trees are known as Maibaum(

May Tree

). During the night they erect these trees outside the houses of the girl.

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.