Thanksgiving in Canada is a significant holiday that has a rich and diverse history, reflecting the country’s cultural, religious, and geographical nuances.
Historical Origins
The concept of Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to the early European explorers. The first recorded Thanksgiving ceremony in North America was held by English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew in 1578, in what is now Nunavut. This ceremony was a thanksgiving for their safe passage and survival during their exploration of the Eastern Arctic[2][4][5].
Later, in the 17th century, the inhabitants of New France, under Samuel de Champlain, also celebrated harvest festivals, which were influenced by European and Indigenous traditions[4].
National Celebrations
The first large, national Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in 1859 in the Province of Canada, which was formed by the union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841. This event was intended for the “public and solemn” recognition of God’s mercies and was organized by leaders of the Protestant clergy[1][4].
After Canada’s confederation in 1867, Thanksgiving was celebrated on various dates. For instance, the first Thanksgiving after confederation was held on April 5, 1872, to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales from an illness. The first annual Thanksgiving was observed on November 6, 1879, and the date was determined by Parliament each year[1][4].
Modern Celebrations
In 1957, Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday and fixed on the second Monday of October. This timing is largely due to Canada’s earlier fall harvest season compared to the United States, as winter arrives sooner in Canada[2][3][5].
Traditional Celebrations
Canadians typically celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional meal at home with their families, often on Sunday or Monday. The menu usually includes roast turkey with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, autumn vegetables such as squash and Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin pie. Other popular desserts include maple-walnut layer cake, maple butter tart, and in British Columbia, Nanaimo bars[2][3][5].
Watching football is also a significant part of Canadian Thanksgiving traditions, with the Canadian Football League (CFL) hosting the ‘Thanksgiving Day Classic’ games, which are broadcast nationally[2].
Public Holidays and Activities
Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. On this day, government offices, schools, banks, libraries, and most Canada Post offices are closed. However, many shops, supermarkets, and public parks remain open. Some pharmacies may operate with reduced hours[2].
Cultural and Social Aspects
Thanksgiving in Canada is not without its complexities. Historically, it was mainly celebrated by Protestant communities and was sometimes seen as a way to give thanks for the British monarchy, which alienated Catholic French Canadians. Today, while some Indigenous communities view Thanksgiving similarly to English Canadians as a time for family and leisure, others acknowledge the holiday with mixed feelings due to its association with the displacement and disenfranchisement of Indigenous peoples[3][4].
Most Important Facts About Thanksgiving in Canada
First Recorded Celebration: The first Thanksgiving ceremony in North America was held by Martin Frobisher and his crew in 1578[2][4][5].
National Holiday: The first national Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in 1859 in the Province of Canada[1][4].
Annual Observance: The first annual Thanksgiving was observed on November 6, 1879, and later fixed on the second Monday of October in 1957[1][3][4].
Date: Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October[2][3][5].
Traditional Meal: Includes roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, autumn vegetables, and pumpkin pie[2][3][5].
Football Tradition: The Canadian Football League hosts the ‘Thanksgiving Day Classic’ games on this day[2].
Public Holidays: Government offices, schools, banks, and most Canada Post offices are closed, but many shops and public parks remain open[2].
Cultural Significance: Reflects a mix of European, Indigenous, and Canadian cultural influences, with some complexities regarding its celebration among different communities[3][4].
