Kallie Waller

Writer

With special traditions coming into the minds of people as holidays approach, every culture and tradition has unique and enticing history behind the ways of celebrating.

An article published on history.com, that was written by Sarah Pruitt, gives information about numerous cultures and how they are celebrated. 

In Germany, Thanksgiving is referred to as Erntedankfest, which translates to “Thanks for the harvest fest.”

The celebration is a thanks to God for the great harvest season and for the wonderful crop growth.

Prior to Erntedankfest, on September twenty-ninth Germans celebrate Michaelistag.

Michaelistag is a celebration before the first Sunday in October, when the harvest festival is celebrated. 

The German citizens traditionally celebrate giving thanks by bringing flowers, and or fruit to the church and practicing their religion. 

Similar to Germany’s Thanksgiving, Canada has its own way of celebrating, but also both cultures’ give thanks for their harvest around the same time. 

Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday of October.

Canadian citizens have been celebrating giving thanks for forty years prior to the United States (U.S.).

Canadian Thanksgiving looks very similar to the U.S Thanksgiving.

Turkey and football swarm the Canadian tradition, much like the tradition current in the U.S.

In an excellent addition to the U.S. tradition spreading throughout the world, Puerto Rico is very alike to the U.S. tradition that is celebrated each year. 

When Puerto Rico became a part of the U.S. territory in the 19th century, they adopted many traditions the U.S. practiced.

Puerto Rico has numerous traditions that are unique, including the items they have at their traditional meal.

Almost all of the traditional main dishes and side servings served in the U.S, are served at the Puerto Rico Thanksgiving, except, Puerto Rico serves roast pork with turkey. 

The U.S. tradition dates back to 1621, where the pilgrims celebrated their first harvest.

Now, to our current Thanksgiving Traditions, take a peek into what Marlow High School (MHS) does to give thanks.

Tamara May teaches Life Facts at MHS and loves to do something special with her students for Thanksgiving.

“In the past we’ve made meals where I have the meat prepared, and the students bring side dishes and dessert. We sit down and have a meal together at the table,” May stated.  

“Thanksgiving is important because we celebrate America’s gratefulness and thankfulness for our food, and the things that we have. Sitting down at the table with your family is important. Thanksgiving day to me is just a celebration of God’s goodness.”

Sophomore Ella Beesley, is a student in Mrs. May’s class, she gives an insight on the positive effects the family dinner at school has on her as well as other students. 

“We really have nothing in common, but when we all sit down together, I have a sense of belonging. We’re all making conversation and finding some sort of common ground,” Beesley stated. “Seeing Mrs. May strive to help her students so much gives me faith in teachers and public schooling.”

Thanksgiving is a day to give gratitude, something not everybody will receive on a regular basis.

Each of these cultures and their traditions are special to the people that are giving gratitude to the people in their lives.

Every culture as well as close to the heart traditions, are celebrated all around the world, just in different ways.