Historically the scarecrow is thought to ward off predators that would take the harvest which makes it an important symbol at Thanksgiving
We, in South Africa, do not celebrate Harvest or Thanksgiving. In the southern hemisphere our fall occurs almost simultaneously with the spring of the northern hemisphere.
However many communities worldwide celebrate Thanksgiving in one form or another. The concept behind Thanksgiving ceremony celebration, held in both the USA and Canada, is similar to the August Moon Festival in China, Tet Trung Thu in Vietnam, the Jewish Succoth, Kwanzaa in Africa, Pongal in India and Chusok in Korea and that is to celebrate the harvest holiday which is dedicated as a time to give thanks to their ancestors or to God for the harvest.
The only difference in the festivals is date, rituals and customs but the reasons behind it remain the same.
In China the Chinese celebrate August Moon festival that falls on the 15th day of 8th lunar month of their calendar. Chinese believe that the moon is roundest and brightest on this day. Below the heavenly moonlight, lovers speak out their heart to each other. It is also known as Women Festival. Conventionally women are considered similes to warm and compassionate virtues and have the gift of fertility, just like Mother Earth. Unlike the famous pumpkin pie, the Chinese delicacies consist of moon-cake. Friends and relatives convey their regard to each other by gifting moon cake.
The Roman harvest festival is known as Cerelia and was celebrated in the honor of the deity Ceres (Goddess of Corn). Their festival commenced on October 4th and it was a custom to first produced fruits, grains and animals to the Goddess. Music, parades and sports extended the glee of the ceremony.
The Brazilian thanksgiving is quite contemporary compared to American thanksgiving. When the Ambassador of Brazil visited U.S. at the invitation of National Cathedral of Washington, D.C., he was enamored by the concept and brought it to his homeland. In southern Brazil, it is a sort of expressing gratitude to Almighty for an enormous harvest. Though acclaimed for its Carnival celebrations they cannot be undermined in other festivities.
The Chu-Sok (meaning "fall evening") celebration of Korea falls on 15th of August. It begins on the 14th night and continues for three days. Koreans make a dish called 'Songpyon' unique for that occasion consisting of rice, beans, sesame seeds and chestnuts. Before having the food, the family gathers beneath the moonlight, in remembrance of their ancestors and forefathers. The children dress in long-prescribed dress dancing in circle with an inherent desire of their blessing.
To celebrate harvest-time and Thanksgiving many different and beautiful crafts abound. This sweet scarecrow craft can be enjoyed by the whole family in any part of the world. Using two straw hats, it is easy to make an adorable scarecrow to dress up your home for the harvest season.
For the full craft and other great ideas click this link
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