Is Thanksgiving Really Just For Americans?

Thanksgiving, one of our most cherished holidays, has always been considered to be a uniquely American holiday. But several other countries, cultures, and religions have their ways of celebrating the season and giving thanks. 

Take China, for example. Each year, the Chinese celebrate the harvest and give thanks to friends and family through their Moon Festival. Many traditional foods also circle around this holiday, but rather than the famous pie- the Chinese consume delicious round "moon cakes". These cakes are exchanged between family and friends as a token of appreciation and symbol of love. If you are looking for another way to express your love during this time, you're in luck! The 15th day of the 8th lunar month is also known as Women's Day. Sit beneath the moon with your significant other and enjoy the moon together, which the Chinese believe is the biggest and brightest on this day. 

In Brazil, the Ambassador enjoyed his experience of a traditional American thanksgiving so much that he decided to bring the idea back to his home. It has become a day to expressed thanks and gratitude for friends and family through a giant  annual harvest. 

Ancient Rome also historically had a fall celebration that closely resembles our Thanksgiving tradition. This festival, known as Cerelia, was celebrated in honor of the goddess of corn. It was custom that on this day, grains, fruits, and animals would be presented as a token of gratitude to the goddess. Then, friends and family would celebrate with music, dancing, and- of course- lots of food!

As we know, Korea is also no stranger to the thanksgiving tradition. Koreans have their own thanksgiving celebration, referred to as Chuseok. But instead of turkey and stuffing, this holiday calls for a dish known as Songpyon, made up of rice, beans, sesame seeds, and chestnuts. Friends and families gather together to eat, talk, and enjoy each other's company

while also giving thanks to their ancestors. 

So even if they don't exactly have a pumpkin pie, turkey, and plate of stuffing at their table, many other cultures have their own ways of giving thanks and appreciation among the people they care about- that aren't too different from ours after all! 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.

Koreans Celebrate Thanksgiving Their Way with Chuseok

One of America's favorite past times, Thanksgiving, is a time of gathering with family, sharing stories and laughter over mashed potatoes and turkey. This time of year is associated with many traditions that reflect American culture- but did you know that Korea has a Thanksgiving as well?

Like in America, Korean Thanksgiving, known as Chuseok, is also full of deep tradition and culture. Unlike American Thanksgiving which is one day, Chuseok stretches across three. The preparation begins the day before Chuseok and extends till the day after. 

One of the most important traditions associated with Chuseok is Beolcho, the clearing of weeds around the grave of ancestors and Seongmyo, visiting the graves of the ancestors. It is considered a duty and expression of respect and devotion to the family. Another tradition

that adds spark and excitement to the holiday is Ssireum, Korean wrestling. During Chuseok the strongest people in each village are selected to compete in a wrestling match. The last one left standing is considered the village's strongest man and rewarded cotton, rice, or a calf as his prize.

 The Korean circle dance, or Ganggangsullae, is another critical aspect of the Chuseok celebration. During this ceremony women dress in traditional Korean clothing, Hanbok, and dance in a circle singing and holding hands. This tradition is very significant in Korean history, dating all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Clothing worn and food consumed is also very specific during the Chuseok holiday. Chuseokbim is the custom in which the head of each household would buy brand new clothes for everyone in the house, even the servants.

Like  turkey's importance in America, Korea also has a food that is representative during Chuseok. Songpyeon, the food of Korean Thanksgiving, is a ball of rice or rice powder filled with sesame seeds, beans, rice beans, and chestnuts. While they steam, pine needles are added to the top to create a beautiful and mouthwatering fragrance. It is tradition that whoever makes the best songpyeon will meet an attractive spouse, if single, or give birth to a beautiful daughter, if married or pregnant. 

To learn more about the cultural and diversity taught at Fujimini Island, please click here.