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How 6 countries celebrate their own Thanksgiving

1 min read
ERNTEKRONE

Credit: Andreas Praefcke | CC BY 3.0

From Vietnam to Israel, discover the traditional -- and more unusual -- festivals of thanks these countries celebrate.

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While many American families gather to give thanks around the table, it’s worth remembering that gratitude isn’t just a national pastime — it’s a global instinct. Across the world, countries mark the season with celebrations rooted in harvests, family bonds, religious traditions, and even civic appreciation.

Though the customs vary — from honoring ancestors to thanking public servants — each one reflects a shared desire to pause and recognize life’s blessings.

Click through the slideshow below to discover some of the beautiful ways cultures around the world express their gratitude — with everything from makeshift shelters to wholehearted family feasts.