## Cultural Perspectives on Thanksgiving Foods: Turkey and Songpyeon

Thanksgiving, traditionally observed in various forms across the globe, symbolizes gratitude, commemorating the blessings of the past year with festive meals that vary significantly by country. Two prominent examples of Thanksgiving can be seen in the celebrations in the United States and in South Korea with Chuseok. Each of these observances features distinct traditional foods: turkey in the United States and songpyeon in South Korea.

### Thanksgiving in the United States

Thanksgiving in the United States is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It has historical roots in religious and cultural traditions but today it is primarily celebrated as a secular holiday.

#### **Historical Background**
The event that Americans commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621. This feast lasted three days, and—as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow—it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.

#### **Turkey: The Quintessential Thanksgiving Dish**
The centerpiece of contemporary Thanksgiving in the United States is a large meal, traditionally starring turkey as the main dish. The turkey might be roasted, basted, or deep-fried, and it is typically served with a variety of side dishes such as stuffing (also called dressing), mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Pumpkin pie is commonly served as dessert.

The tradition of eating turkey is rooted in the practicality and availability of the bird in North America. Historically, wild turkey was plentiful and became a go-to choice for celebrations. Today, turkey has become synonymous with Thanksgiving festivities, symbolizing plenitude and festivity. The act of "pardoning a turkey" by the President of the United States has also become a modern tradition reflecting the nation's whimsy and humanity.

### Chuseok in South Korea

Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most significant and festive holidays of the year in South Korea. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar on the full moon. Like American Thanksgiving, Chuseok is a time for families to come together and celebrate the harvest, and give thanks to their ancestors.

#### **Historical and Cultural Significance**
Chuseok traditions date back to the Silla Kingdom over 1,500 years ago and are deeply rooted in Korean culture. The holiday includes rituals known as Charye (ancestral memorial rites) and Seongmyo (visiting ancestral graves). It’s a time when many Koreans return to their ancestral hometowns to celebrate with their families.

#### **Songpyeon: A Celebration of the Harvest**
The traditional food most associated with Chuseok is songpyeon, a type of rice cake. Made from finely ground new rice and filled with sweet or semi-sweet fillings like sesame seeds, beans, or chestnuts, songpyeon is steamed over a bed of pine needles, which give it a distinctive taste and aroma. The making of songpyeon is a communal activity where family members gather to make these rice cakes, symbolizing a bond among the family and expressing hopes for a prosperous future.

Songpyeon is significant not just for its taste but also for its symbolic meanings related to the harvest, family unity, and good fortune.

### Conclusion

Understanding Thanksgiving traditions in different cultures illuminates the diverse ways communities express gratitude and celebrate the bounty of their respective harvests. Whether it is the turkey on American tables or the songpyeon enjoyed during Chuseok, each food item carries deep cultural significance and reflects the values and history of the people who prepare and enjoy them. By exploring these foods, we can appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of the world and the universal nature of thanksgiving as a celebration of communal well-being and prosperity.