What is Canada Thanksgiving About?

Canada Thanksgiving is a special day marked by gratitude, family gatherings, and delicious food. It’s a time when kitchens bustle, homes resonate with laughter, and the air is fragrant with mouth-watering dishes.

But what is Canada Thanksgiving about and what’s the real story behind this festive day?

Table of Contents

The History of Thanksgiving in Canada

Tracing back to the early 1600s, the first Thanksgiving in North America is credited to English explorer Martin Frobisher, who held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland to express gratitude for surviving his journey from England. Predating the American Thanksgiving by decades, this event marked the beginning of the tradition in Canada.

Over time, Thanksgiving evolved to celebrate the harvest and blessings of the past year. In 1879, it became a national holiday, characterized by family reunions and a splendid meal.

Traditions and Celebrations

Thanksgiving in Canada is synonymous with family reunions. People travel great distances to connect with loved ones, sharing stories and creating memories around a special meal.

The feast typically includes roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, and autumn vegetables like squash. Desserts feature seasonal favorites like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and other fruit pastries, symbolizing the harvest and Canada’s agricultural heritage.

The holiday also involves expressing gratitude. Many families share what they’re thankful for, engage in religious services, or practice personal reflection. It’s a day of reconnection, community spirit, and togetherness, with activities ranging from family dinners to outdoor sports.

Giving Back

Thanksgiving is also about compassion and helping those in need. Canadians participate in volunteer work, donate to food banks, or join community service projects. Schools, religious groups, and community organizations often organize food drives, emphasizing the holiday’s themes of gratitude and community.

Thanksgiving as a Public Holiday

Celebrated on the second Monday of October, Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most of Canada, allowing for extended family gatherings and travel. However, it’s an optional holiday in provinces like Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Many businesses, including government offices and some stores, are closed, though some retail outlets may remain open.

10 Interesting Facts About Thanksgiving in Canada

First Harvest Festival: The earliest known Canadian harvest festival predates European contact and was celebrated for over 3,500 years in North American Indigenous cultures.
Connection with Europe: Similar harvest festivals and Thanksgiving celebrations exist in Europe, dating back to before the arrival of Europeans in North America.
Turkey Sales Peak: Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for purchasing turkey in Canada. In 2022, around 2.1 million turkeys were consumed during the Thanksgiving period, representing approximately 32% of the total annual sales of whole turkeys.
Seasonal Parades: Some Canadian cities, like Kitchener-Waterloo in Ontario, hold Oktoberfest parades during the Thanksgiving weekend, which are among the largest in Canada.
Not Always in October: Before it was officially declared to be on the second Monday in October 1957, Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated on different dates.
Jour de l’Action de grâce: In Quebec, Thanksgiving is known as “Jour de l’Action de grâce” and is more quietly observed as a day off than in other parts of Canada.
Thanksgiving Football: The Canadian Football League holds a nationally televised doubleheader, known as the “Thanksgiving Day Classic.”
Food Bank Donations: Around Thanksgiving, food banks across Canada receive an estimated 30% increase in donations.
Travel Statistics: An estimated 2.4 million Canadians travel at least 80 kilometers from home during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Different Date from U.S. Thanksgiving: Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, unlike the American Thanksgiving, which is in November.

In Conclusion

Thanksgiving in Canada is a special day that brings everyone together, no matter their background. It’s a day for saying thanks and enjoying time with others. It’s not just about eating turkey; it’s a time for being grateful, having fun with family and friends, and celebrating traditions that are a big part of Canada.

This day is about remembering good things, like the harvest and being with loved ones. It shows the caring and friendly spirit of Canada.

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