What is Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in various countries around the world to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest season and other good things in life. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and expressing gratitude. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year.
History of Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Canada since 1879, although it was not officially recognized as a national holiday until 1957. The holiday was originally celebrated as a religious observance, with special church services and gatherings to give thanks for a successful harvest. Over time, it evolved into a secular holiday, with customs such as turkey dinners, parades, and football games.
Origins of Canadian Thanksgiving
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can be traced back to European traditions brought over by early settlers. The first recorded thanksgiving in Canada was held by Martin Frobisher, an English explorer who held a feast in 1578 to give thanks for his safe arrival in Newfoundland. Later, French settlers also held thanksgiving celebrations, known as "La Fête de la Récolte," in the late 1600s.
Date of Thanksgiving in Canada
Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October, which falls between October 8th and 14th. This date was officially established by the Canadian Parliament in 1957. The timing of the holiday coincides with the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter months.
Why Thanksgiving is celebrated in October
Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October instead of November, like in the United States, for several reasons. One reason is that Canada’s harvest season comes earlier than in the US, so the holiday is timed to coincide with the end of the agricultural year. Another reason is that the Canadian government wanted to distance the holiday from Remembrance Day, which falls on November 11th and is a more solemn occasion.
Differences between Canadian and American Thanksgiving
While Canadian and American Thanksgiving share some similarities, such as turkey dinners and family gatherings, there are also some key differences. For example, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, while American Thanksgiving is in November. Additionally, Canadian Thanksgiving is not as big of a commercial holiday as it is in the United States, and there are fewer parades and events associated with it.
Thanksgiving traditions in Canada
Thanksgiving traditions in Canada vary depending on the region and family, but some common customs include turkey dinners with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie, and autumn-themed decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks. Many families also take the opportunity to get together and spend time outdoors, enjoying the fall foliage and participating in activities such as apple-picking and hayrides.
Religious significance of Canadian Thanksgiving
While Canadian Thanksgiving is now a secular holiday, it has its roots in religious observance. Many churches still hold special services and gatherings to give thanks for the harvest season and other blessings. The holiday is also an opportunity for people to express gratitude for other aspects of their lives, such as family, health, and prosperity.
Festivities and feasting on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and enjoying good food. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Canada typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables such as green beans or carrots. Dessert is often pumpkin pie, apple pie, or other seasonal treats. Many families also indulge in other fall favorites like apple cider and hot chocolate.
Thanksgiving celebrations in different parts of Canada
Thanksgiving is celebrated across Canada, but there are some regional differences in how it is observed. In the Atlantic provinces, for example, seafood is often incorporated into the traditional Thanksgiving meal. In Quebec, the holiday is known as "Action de Grâce," and is celebrated with church services and family gatherings. In the western provinces, many communities hold parades and other events to mark the occasion.
Canadian Thanksgiving and Indigenous peoples
As with many Canadian holidays, there is a complex relationship between Thanksgiving and Indigenous peoples. While the holiday is now seen as a celebration of the harvest season and family, it has origins in colonialism and the dispossession of Indigenous lands and resources. As such, many Indigenous communities have their own harvest celebrations that are distinct from mainstream Canadian Thanksgiving.
Conclusion: The significance of Canadian Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest season and other good things in life. It has its roots in religious observance, but has evolved into a secular holiday marked by family gatherings, feasting, and traditions such as turkey dinners and autumn-themed decorations. While there are regional differences in how Thanksgiving is celebrated across Canada, the holiday is a unifying tradition that brings people together to express gratitude and enjoy the fruits of the season.