Most people don’t seem to know that Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on a different day than Thanksgiving in the United States.
Canadians celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, a full six weeks before their neighbours down south.
Why does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving on a different day? Here’s a quick history lesson on Thanksgiving in Canada.
THANKSGIVING IN CANADA DURING THE DAYS OF YORE
Thanksgiving in Canada first took place in the very early years of nation building.
Some historians think that Thanksgiving in Canada first took place in 1578, when Martin Frobisher and his crew of pirates arrived at Baffin Island.
There’s also that story about Samuel de Champlain in Port-Royal when Europeans and Indigenous people sat down and broke down in 1606.
Others think that Thanksgiving was first celebrated in Canada in 1859, when a group of Protestant priests asked for a holiday to recognize the importance of family and religious devotion, as well as to celebrate the harvest.
It wasn’t until 1907 that representatives from railway companies convinced the government to make it a long weekend (it was previously done in the middle of the week).
In 1957, the Parliament of Canada finally decided to make Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.
We’ve been celebrating on that date ever since.
THANKSGIVING IN CANADA TODAY
The Thanksgiving long weekend is extra special, being the last long weekend until the Christmas break.
The weather during the second week of October is conducive to spending time with family and friends.
The leaves have started to turn, the temperature has started to fall.
Some people go for a road trip, others spend the long weekend in cottage country.
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and keep safe!
THANKSGIVING FOOD
Thanksgiving in Canada usually include turkey, ham, gravy and stuffing as well as plenty of desserts!
While it was originally practiced by European farmers, Canada’s multiculturalism has evolved Thanksgiving meals to include dishes from all over the world.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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Elenore
www.TheSweetEdge.com
