For example, in the country of Greece they do give thanks, but it is a 9 day harvest festival dedicated to the goddess of agriculture, Demeter. They also engage in other activities after the harvest. For example, all married women build huts made from plants and leaves and then decorate the interior with cushions. They continue into the second day with fasting and then on the third day they host Thanksgiving in their own way, by presenting a big feast complete with meats, sweets, nuts and fruit.

Thanksgiving Day in China was first celebrated during the full moon that appeared during the eighth month on the fifteenth day, as per the Chinese calendar. They would celebrate it by making moon shaped pastries to exchange with each other, as they considered this the moon’s birthday, and followed it up with the less traditional Thanksgiving dinner of fruit and ham. In England they celebrate the harvest festival during either late September or early October, followed by a church service and prayer.

In Egypt, they celebrate Thanksgiving by paying honor to Min, the god of fertility and the harvest. Originally celebrated during the spring, the time when they harvest their crops, they would pretend to cry while harvesting so that the god would not be upset with them for taking it. The history of Thanksgiving Day in Canada dates back to 1578, and is also a celebration of thanks and family gatherings, and is held on the second Monday in October. Cerelia was a harvest festival that the Romans celebrated to honor the goddess of grains, Ceres. This festival was always held on the 4th of October and the fruits of the harvest and roasted pigs were offered to Ceres. The celebration continued with a parade, music, sports and games and, of course, a huge feast.

Although the original intent of the North American Thanksgiving was to have a day to give thanks for a good harvest and a good life, Thanksgiving Day is now more of a time to spend with your loved ones, the people you care about. Being grateful for your blessings in life is what Thanksgiving is all about. It really does not matter what it is called, as long as people and cultures around the world take one day or even a few, such as a long weekend, to be with friends and family.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed panic attacks help as well as tips on the various medications for panic disorder available at anxietydisordercure.com.