From Kinro Kansha No Hi to Gan’en Jie: Exploring Traditions of Gratitude in Asia

You might think that Thanksgiving traditions are exclusive to the United States. However, across Asia, especially in countries with deep-rooted cultures, there are many interesting traditions of gratitude. 
While Thanksgiving in the West is associated with family dinners and giving thanks for the blessings, in Asia, expressions of gratitude take various forms, such as Japan’s Kinro Kansha No Hi and China’s Gan’en Jie. Do you want to know how these traditions celebrate gratitude? Let’s explore them!

What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a national public holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The celebration originated from the tradition of English colonial pilgrims who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. After going through a harsh winter and famine, they managed to have a successful harvest, thanks to the help of the local Wampanoag tribe. As a gesture of gratitude, they held a feast together in 1621, which is considered the first Thanksgiving.
Since then, Thanksgiving has become an important family tradition in the United States. On Thanksgiving Day, families and friends gather to enjoy a meal together, typically consisting of roast turkey, potatoes, and pumpkins. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessings received throughout the year, whether it is health, family, work, or other aspects of life. 

Kinro Kansha No Hi
Kinro Kansha No Hi, which literally means “Labor Thanksgiving Day”, is a commemorative day in Japan to honor the contributions of workers. It is celebrated annually on 23 November and is often marked by various events, such as art performances, local product exhibitions, and other social activities. 
One key feature of Kinro Kansha No Hi is a special ceremony involving the entire community. In this ceremony, people gather to express gratitude to all those who have contributed to society’s progress. From farmers who provide food, factory workers who produce everyday goods, to teachers who educate the younger generation. 

Gan’en Jie
“Gan’en Jie” literally means “thankful for the blessings”. While Kinro Kansha No Hi focuses more on giving thanks for hard work, Gan’en Jie in China centers around celebrating the harvest and expressing gratitude to nature. Also known as the Gratitude Festival, Gan’en Jie typically falls on the fourth Thursday of November, the same as Thanksgiving in the United States. This celebration has a long history and is one of the biggest festivals in China. 
During Gan’en Jie, the Chinese engage in various activities, such as visiting temples, making offerings to deities, and enjoying traditional foods. One of the most popular traditions is making mooncakes, which symbolize prosperity and togetherness. Additionally, people also hold lion dance performances, dragon dance performances, and dragon boat races as a way of expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. 
A unique tradition during Gan’en Jie is lighting lanterns. Lanterns in different colors and shapes are believed to guide ancestral spirits back to the mortal world to enjoy the offerings from their descendants. Lighting lanterns also symbolizes hope and prayers for a smooth and prosperous life. 

Similarity and Meaning behind the Traditions
Although Kinro Kansha No Hi and Gan’en Jie have different backgrounds and ways of celebration, both traditions share one similarity—they are expressions of gratitude. Both Japan and China have long traditions of valuing virtues, such as hard work, family, and ancestors. 
Whether it is celebrating Thanksgiving, Kinro Kansha No Hi, or Gan’en Jie, the point is that we are all encouraged to be grateful for the blessings we have received. By practicing gratitude, we will feel happier, more at peace, and more appreciative of life.
Let’s preserve these traditions so that future generations can experience the beauty and meaningfulness of these cultural legacies. If you want to witness how people express gratitude differently, you can visit one of those countries. But take sure to purchase your Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia before starting your trip.