Canada Thanksgiving, also known as Jour de l'Action de Grâce in French, is a national holiday in Canada that is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year. The holiday has a rich history and is steeped in tradition, with its roots dating back to 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast to give thanks for his safe arrival in what is now Newfoundland. Over time, the holiday has evolved to become an important part of Canadian culture, with families and friends coming together to share a meal, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives.
History of Canada Thanksgiving
The history of Canada Thanksgiving is a fascinating one, with the holiday being influenced by European harvest festivals and the traditions of the indigenous peoples of Canada. In 1879, the Canadian government declared November 6 as a day of Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t until 1957 that the holiday was moved to its current date, the second Monday in October. This change was made to coincide with the harvest season in Canada, which typically takes place in late September and early October.
Traditions and Celebrations
Canada Thanksgiving is a time for Canadians to come together with their loved ones and give thanks for the blessings in their lives. The holiday is typically celebrated with a large meal, often featuring traditional dishes such as roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Many families also exchange gifts, such as flowers or chocolates, and engage in outdoor activities like hiking, football, or apple picking. In addition, many Canadians use the holiday as an opportunity to volunteer at local food banks or charities, helping to make the holiday season brighter for those in need.
| Traditional Canada Thanksgiving Foods | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasted Turkey | A classic Canada Thanksgiving dish, often served with gravy and stuffing |
| Mashed Potatoes | A comforting side dish, often topped with butter, milk, or cheese |
| Pumpkin Pie | A sweet and spiced dessert, often served with whipped cream or ice cream |
Cultural Significance of Canada Thanksgiving
Canada Thanksgiving is a holiday that holds significant cultural and historical importance in Canada. The holiday is a time for Canadians to come together and celebrate their heritage, their traditions, and their values. It is also a time for Canadians to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, with many people using the holiday as an opportunity to set goals and make resolutions for the coming year.
Regional Variations
While Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated across the country, there are some regional variations in terms of traditions and customs. For example, in the province of Quebec, the holiday is known as Jour de l’Action de Grâce and is often celebrated with a traditional meal featuring dishes such as tourtière (a type of meat pie) and sugar pie. In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the holiday is often celebrated with a Jiggs dinner, which features boiled salt beef, cabbage, carrots, and other root vegetables.
- Quebec: Jour de l'Action de Grâce, featuring traditional dishes such as tourtière and sugar pie
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Jiggs dinner, featuring boiled salt beef and root vegetables
- Ontario: Traditional Canada Thanksgiving meal, featuring roasted turkey and pumpkin pie
When is Canada Thanksgiving celebrated?
+Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October every year.
What are some traditional Canada Thanksgiving foods?
+Some traditional Canada Thanksgiving foods include roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
How do Canadians typically celebrate Canada Thanksgiving?
+Canadians typically celebrate Canada Thanksgiving by coming together with their loved ones, sharing a meal, and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or football.
