Thanksgiving Traditions: A Celebration of Gratitude and Color
Thanksgiving is a cherished time for families and friends to gather, express gratitude, and enjoy festive meals. While the holiday is most widely associated with the United States, other countries also have their own versions of thanksgiving celebrations, each rich with unique traditions and stories. Let’s explore the vibrant tapestry of Thanksgiving across the globe, weaving in the colors and creativity that make this holiday so special.
Thanksgiving in the United States
In the U.S., Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday dates back to 1621, when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to give thanks for the harvest. Modern traditions often revolve around a hearty meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Watching parades and football games are also staples of the day, with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade being a colorful spectacle millions look forward to each year.
At its heart, Thanksgiving is a day of reflection. As Oprah Winfrey once said:
Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.
This sentiment resonates as families share what they are grateful for, filling the day with warmth and positivity. And of course, the vibrant hues of fall—deep reds, oranges, and yellows—serve as a natural backdrop, symbolizing abundance and togetherness.
Thanksgiving Around the World
While Thanksgiving is quintessentially American, gratitude celebrations occur in other countries, each with its unique flavor:
Canada: Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Similar to the U.S., it’s a time for feasting and family gatherings. The holiday commemorates a successful harvest and is marked by the same autumnal palette of colors.
The Netherlands: Some Dutch families in Leiden celebrate Thanksgiving to honor the Pilgrims who lived there before sailing to the New World. Services are held in churches, blending history with modern gratitude.
Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) is celebrated on November 23. While not a harvest festival, it is a public holiday for appreciating workers and giving thanks for labor and production. Colorful parades and family activities are common.
Germany: Erntedankfest, or the Harvest Thanksgiving Festival, is celebrated in September or October. Churches are adorned with fruits and vegetables, and processions and services express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Unlike its North American counterpart, turkey isn’t the centerpiece—instead, hearty German fare like sausages and sauerkraut is enjoyed.
Grenada: Grenada celebrates Thanksgiving Day on October 25, commemorating the U.S. intervention in 1983. While not a harvest festival, it’s a time for reflection and gratitude.
The Colors of Gratitude
At Culture to Color®, we believe colors can tell a story. Thanksgiving’s palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns represents warmth, gratitude, and connection. Just as a mandala brings patterns and colors to life, Thanksgiving traditions around the world weave diverse threads into a tapestry of gratitude.
Coloring can also be a calming, reflective activity—a perfect way to celebrate the season. As author and artist Rachel Gresham says,
When we fill a page with color, we’re filling our minds with peace and creativity.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Free Mandala Download
To help you embrace the colors of Thanksgiving, we’re offering a free Thanksgiving-themed mandala coloring page. Gather your favorite shades of fall and take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for as you bring this design to life.
No matter where or how you celebrate, Thanksgiving is about connection, gratitude, and recognizing the beauty in our lives. Let’s color the world with thankfulness this season!
May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, joy, and creativity!
Download your free Thanksgiving Mandala here.
