Canadian Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. It is a time for Canadians to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
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Canadian Thanksgiving Overview and Key Aspects
Here’s an overview of the key aspects of Thanksgiving in Canada:
Canadian Thanksgiving History
Origins: The tradition of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest dates back to Indigenous peoples who celebrated seasonal harvests with ceremonies and feasts long before the arrival of European settlers. The first official Thanksgiving by European settlers in Canada is believed to have been held by explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578 in what is now Newfoundland and Labrador, when he held a meal to give thanks for surviving his journey from England in search of the Northwest Passage.
French Settlers: In the early 17th century, French settlers, led by Samuel de Champlain, arrived in Canada and also held feasts of thanks. They introduced the tradition of sharing food with Indigenous peoples, contributing to the tradition of Canadian Thanksgiving.
National Holiday: Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada in 1879. Initially, it was celebrated in November, but the date was moved to October in 1957 to avoid proximity to Remembrance Day (November 11).
Canadian Thanksgiving Day
Feast: Thanksgiving in Canada is marked by a large feast, similar to the Thanksgiving meal in the United States. Traditional foods include roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. In some regions, local foods such as corn, wild game, and fish are also part of the meal.
Family Gatherings: Like other holidays, Thanksgiving is a time for family reunions. Many people travel to spend time with family and loved ones, often over a long weekend.
Giving Thanks: While the modern holiday is more secular, many people still take time to express gratitude for the blessings they have received during the year.
Outdoor Activities: Given that Canadian Thanksgiving takes place in early October, it coincides with the beauty of fall foliage in many parts of the country. Hiking, apple picking, and other outdoor activities are popular around this time.
Differences from U.S. Thanksgiving
Date: Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated earlier, on the second Monday of October, while U.S. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday in November.
Cultural Significance: While both countries focus on giving thanks, the U.S. Thanksgiving is more strongly tied to the Pilgrims and their 1621 feast with the Wampanoag people, whereas Canadian Thanksgiving has a broader focus on giving thanks for a successful harvest.
Commercialization: U.S. Thanksgiving is closely associated with the start of the holiday shopping season (with Black Friday following the holiday). Canadian Thanksgiving is more low-key, with less focus on consumerism.
When is Thanksgiving in Canada
Canadian Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October each year. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most parts of Canada, meaning most people have the day off work. However, in some provinces like Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, it is an optional holiday, meaning businesses can choose whether to give employees a day off.
Canadian Thanksgiving 2024
Canadian Thanksgiving 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, October 14, 2024. It always falls on the second Monday of October.
Thanksgiving is widely celebrated across Canada, with the vast majority of Canadians participating in some form of observance. While there isn’t a precise figure for how many people celebrate Thanksgiving, considering Canada’s population of around 40 million (as of 2024), it can be estimated that tens of millions of people mark the holiday.
Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces and territories, meaning many Canadians have the day off work, which encourages participation in family gatherings and celebrations. However, the level and style of celebration can vary by region, culture, and personal preference.
In provinces where Thanksgiving is an optional holiday (like New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia), businesses may remain open, and celebrations might not be as widespread as in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, Thanksgiving remains a significant occasion for most Canadians.
