Thanksgiving in Switzerland

When you think of Thanksgiving, you probably think of food and sitting around a table with your family. In Switzerland, though, the holiday started as a day of fasting.

Recently, the fasting tradition has kinda flown out the window. Their Thanksgiving originated in 1832, so it's got some pretty outdated traditions. Most of these Swiss customs were taken from the neighboring country of Geneva. The holiday's official name is The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer, so it WAS pretty spiritual. Like most holidays, though, it kinda lost its meaning. 

 Most people stay home and relax or travel up to the mountains. Businesses are usually closed but the holiday isn't that important to people. 

Switzerland's Thanksgiving foods are pretty similar to the United States. Some popular dishes are plum pie, roasted chicken, and sweet bread. 

Unlike the United States, The Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer is celebrated the third Sunday of September.

Swiss Thanksgiving has come a long way since 1832, but still has a ways for me to consider it worth my time. 

Written by: Emmy