Thanksgiving is often associated with a feast, family gatherings, and gratitude, but did you know that many cultures around the world have their own versions of Thanksgiving, often linked with the beauty of flowers? While it may not always resemble the turkey-and-pie holiday we know, many countries celebrate gratitude for the harvest and the changing seasons.
Canada and The United States:
Here and in the US, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest and express gratitude for life’s blessings. Floral arrangements during this holiday often include autumnal hues with sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and daisies symbolizing warmth and abundance. Centrepieces displaying seasonal produce are also popular.
Germany:
In Germany, a Thanksgiving-like festival called Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival) is celebrated, typically in late September or early October. It’s a time to give thanks for the harvest and the bounty of the land. The festival often includes the use of flowers, particularly in the form of wreaths that adorn homes and churches. Floral arrangements are a mix of harvest crops, such as wheat and fruit, paired with sunflowers, roses, and other autumn blooms. These displays symbolize gratitude and hope for the future, reminding people of the link between nature and life’s abundance.
Japan:
In Japan, Kinrō Kansha no Hi (Labour Thanksgiving Day) is celebrated on November 23rd. While this holiday focuses on labour and productivity rather than a traditional harvest festival, the chrysanthemum, Japan’s national flower, often plays a role in seasonal celebrations. Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and rejuvenation, making them perfect for this celebration. Japanese florists create elegant arrangements using this flower to honor the season. A chrysanthemum bouquet also serves as a gesture of gratitude toward someone’s hard work or kindness.
South Korea:
South Korea’s Thanksgiving-like holiday, Chuseok, is a major celebration of the harvest, held in mid-autumn. Families honour their ancestors and give thanks for the harvest by visiting graves and presenting offerings, often including flowers. The floral aspect of Chuseok is steeped in tradition, with families arranging beautiful displays of white and yellow chrysanthemums to symbolize respect and remembrance.
United Kingdom:
The UK celebrates its Harvest Festival in late September, with churches and homes filled with symbols of the season. Floral displays of wheat, corn, and seasonal flowers like dahlias, sunflowers, and marigolds are often woven into wreaths or laid at altars to celebrate the fruits of the earth. Flowers like lilies and hydrangeas are also popular choices for celebrating abundance and life’s blessings.
China:
While not exactly a Thanksgiving holiday, China’s Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the harvest and unity. Flowers like osmanthus and lotus are often central to this festival, symbolizing beauty, harmony, and peace. Floral lanterns and mooncakes are also part of the tradition, with osmanthus flowers especially popular due to their sweet fragrance and association with the season.
No matter where you celebrate or how you give thanks, flowers can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to any Thanksgiving tradition. They symbolize the cycle of life, abundance, and the beauty of the earth. So whether you're looking to decorate your table, gift a loved one, or honour your own version of the holiday, a thoughtfully chosen floral arrangement can make the occasion even more special.
At Oleander, we have a wide selection of blooms to help you celebrate Thanksgiving in your own unique way. From classic autumnal bouquets and vase arrangements to dried and preserved florals, we have the perfect flowers to match your holiday traditions. Order your Thanksgiving flowers today and celebrate the season of gratitude with us.