Australian Thanksgiving

I was this year's old when I found out that a tiny little part of my homeland actually celebrates Thanksgiving (on 27 November) - so I'm grateful (and on theme) to be able to tell you about this little-known historical snippet.

The tiny bit of Australia that holds its Thanksgiving each year is little Norfolk Island which is actually a few small islands making up the territory. You may have already heard about its most famous residents - the mutineers from the good ship Bounty ring any bells?

Where's Norfolk?

As I mentioned above, Norfolk Island, a remote and picturesque island in the Pacific ocean, is one of the few places outside the United States that celebrates Thanksgiving. Their unique tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when American whaling ships frequently stopped at the island. Along with goods and stories, the American sailors brought their holiday customs, including Thanksgiving. Over time, the islanders embraced this celebration, making it their own by blending local flavours and traditions.

Norfolk Island is the main island in a group comprising the Australian external territory of Norfolk Island, situated in the Pacific ocean  situated in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand approximately 692 km (430 mi) south of New Caledonia.

The Origins of Norfolk Island Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving on Norfolk Island is a tribute to the influence of American whalers who introduced the concept to the island’s residents. These seafarers, who often docked at the island to replenish supplies, shared stories of their Thanksgiving feasts. With them came recipes for iconic dishes like pumpkin pie and cornbread, which soon became staples of the island’s Thanksgiving table.

Today, the holiday is celebrated with a mix of gratitude and festivity. Families gather for church services where the buildings are decorated with local produce, such as lemons and palm leaves. Afterward, a traditional Thanksgiving lunch is enjoyed with loved ones. The blend of American influence and island culture makes this a uniquely Norfolk Island occasion. After all, Norfolk is a pretty unique place - with a fascinating place in history.

Norfolk Island’s Early Settlement

Long before Thanksgiving reached its shores, Norfolk Island had a rich, if turbulent, history. While uninhabited at the time of European settlement, archaeological evidence suggests it was first occupied by East Polynesian seafarers in the 13th or 14th century. These early settlers left behind artefacts, but their occupation ceased long before Europeans arrived.

In 1774, Captain James Cook became the first European to sight and land on Norfolk Island, naming it after Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk. The island was later established as part of the British penal system, initially serving as an auxiliary settlement for the Colony of New South Wales (where I now make my home). Over time, Norfolk Island went through phases of being a penal colony and a place of abandonment until 1856, when it became home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers from the overcrowded Pitcairn Islands. These settlers laid the foundation for the island’s current population.

The Fusion of Cultures

Thanksgiving’s integration into Norfolk Island life is a testament to the island’s history of cultural blending. The arrival of American whalers coincided with the development of the island’s farming and whaling industries, and their holiday traditions resonated with the locals. Over the years, Norfolk Island Thanksgiving evolved into a celebration that honours its history, while embracing new influences. Most of the US staples make an appearance at a Norfolk Island Thanksgiving - so here's my fastest-ever pumpkin pie.

Fastest-ever Pumpkin Pie Recipe

No Norfolk Island Thanksgiving table is complete without pumpkin pie. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 pre-made pie crust

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the pie cool before serving.

Whether through the aromas of pumpkin pie or the sight of island-grown produce adorning churches, Thanksgiving on Norfolk Island is a reminder of the island’s fascinating blend of heritage and hospitality. All that is really there to say - Happy Thanksgiving America - and thank all your wives as well.