🦃 Happy Turkey Day: A Universal Celebration of Gratitude

As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of how unique yet universal this holiday truly is. While deeply rooted in U.S. history, its core values gratitude, connection, and giving back are shared across cultures and religions around the world.

In the United States, Thanksgiving traces back to early encounters between European settlers and Native Americans in the 17th century. What began as a harvest meal shared during a difficult time slowly evolved into a national tradition. Over the centuries, presidents and communities shaped it into a day dedicated to gratitude, reflection, and togetherness, becoming the inclusive, widely celebrated holiday it is today.

You find similar traditions elsewhere:

🇨🇦 In Canada, Thanksgiving is also observed, though on a different date and with its own historical background.

🇩🇪 In Germany, Erntedankfest marks the harvest season: a more religious, less widely celebrated holiday, but rooted in the same spirit of appreciation.

This universality is what makes Thanksgiving so meaningful from an intercultural perspective. Gratitude is a value shared in every society. Coming together, sharing food, and reflecting on what we are thankful for connects us across cultures and reminds us of our shared humanity.

💡 How is gratitude expressed in your culture, and what traditions do you cherish around it? I’d love to hear your experiences.