Canadian Thanksgiving

A Canadian Thanksgiving

The Canadian Thanksgiving makes an interesting counterpoint to the holiday celebrated by its southern neighbor. As mentioned earlier, the first North American thanksgiving event occurred in Newfoundland in 1578. In the 1600s, Samuel de Champlain and the French Settlers who came with him established an "Order of Good Cheer." This group would hold huge celebrations marking the harvests and other events, sharing their food with Native American neighbors.

Canada is a beautiful country at any time of the year, but is particularly breathtaking in the fall when the Thanksgiving celebration occurs.  In autumn, leaves turn spectacular colours  - red, orange, yellow and brown and fall to the earth as trees prepare for winter.  The leaves are so brilliant as to appear almost neon in colour!  Children love to make leaf piles and jump in them. The air is cool and crisp.  Everything seems sharper and clearer.  

The Canadian Thanksgiving is held the second Monday in October, unlike the American Thanksgiving, which falls in November.  Some people believe this is because Canada, being

farther north, has an earlier harvest. Others think that having Thanksgiving in November interfered with Remembrance Day, a day set apart each year on November 11th to remember those who died in wars.  At any rate, deciding to have Thanksgiving in October when the weather is still warm enough for Canadians to enjoy the outdoors was a great idea!

Thanksgiving in Canada provides an opportunity for Canadians to give thanks for having the good fortune to live in a bountiful, free country, and to celebrate that day by feasting with family and friends.