Have you ever wondered why Canadian Thanksgiving doesn’t happen at the same time as the American version? While both holidays share similar vibes—family gatherings, harvest feasts, and time to reflect—Canadian Thanksgiving has its own timing and traditions. So, when exactly is Canadian Thanksgiving, and what’s behind this unique date?
Let's explore everything you need to know about this special holiday, from its timing to how it’s celebrated across the country. You might just be surprised by what you find!
When Is Canadian Thanksgiving? The Answer Might Surprise You
Unlike American Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday in November, Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday in October. It’s a much earlier celebration, and there’s an interesting historical reason behind that.
Why Does Canadian Thanksgiving Fall in October?
The main reason Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated in October has to do with the harvest season. The colder climate of Canada means that crops typically mature earlier than they do in the United States. By the second Monday of October, the bulk of the harvest is complete, and Canadians are ready to give thanks for the food that’s been gathered.
A Brief History of Canadian Thanksgiving
While it’s easy to assume that Canadian Thanksgiving is a spin-off of the American version, its origins are actually a bit different. The first Thanksgiving in Canada dates back to 1578 when English explorer Martin Waldseemüller hosted a feast in Newfoundland to celebrate a successful voyage. He invited local Indigenous peoples to join in, and the celebration focused on gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Thanksgiving became an official holiday in Canada. In 1879, it was proclaimed a national holiday, but the date of celebration fluctuated. It wasn’t until 1957 that Canada officially settled on the second Monday in October as the permanent date for Thanksgiving.
How Do Canadians Celebrate Thanksgiving?
In some ways, Thanksgiving in Canada is similar to its American counterpart: think turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But there are a few key differences in how the holiday is celebrated across the country.
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Feasts and Family Gatherings: Much like in the U.S., Canadian Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a large meal. The feast typically features turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and of course, the iconic pumpkin pie for dessert. However, in some regions, dishes like roast beef, ham, or even fish may make an appearance.
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Outdoor Activities: Since Canadian Thanksgiving occurs during the crisp autumn months, it’s not uncommon for families to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, apple picking, or even taking in the fall foliage. Many Canadians take advantage of the long weekend to spend time in nature before the winter chill sets in.
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Sporting Events: Just like Americans love their football on Thanksgiving, Canadians enjoy watching sports, particularly Canadian football, on Thanksgiving weekend. The Canadian Football League (CFL) hosts special games, and many people tune in to watch the action with family and friends.
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Community and Indigenous Celebrations: While Thanksgiving is widely celebrated across Canada, it’s also a time for reflection and honoring the land. Indigenous communities have their own harvest traditions and ceremonies that emphasize giving thanks for the earth’s bounty. These celebrations are sometimes intertwined with Thanksgiving events, but they also hold deep cultural significance.
Surprising Facts About Canadian Thanksgiving
Here are a few fun and surprising facts that you might not know about Canadian Thanksgiving:
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It’s Not a "Big Deal" in Every Province: While Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces, it’s not as widely celebrated in some regions, particularly in Quebec. For many people in Quebec, the focus is more on "Action de Grâce" (the French term for Thanksgiving), but it doesn’t have the same level of importance as in other parts of Canada.
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The National Turkey Day? Not Quite: Although turkey is the most popular choice for the Thanksgiving meal, it’s not as universally consumed as you might think. In fact, a number of Canadians opt for other meats like ham, roast beef, or even duck, especially in the more French-influenced areas.
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It's a Time for Fall Festivals: Many Canadian towns and cities host autumn-themed festivals around Thanksgiving. From pumpkin patches to harvest fairs, it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the season before winter settles in. If you’ve never been to a Canadian fall festival, you’re missing out on some serious pumpkin-spiced fun.
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Canadian Thanksgiving Was Once Held on a Different Date: As mentioned earlier, the date of Canadian Thanksgiving wasn’t always fixed. At one point, it was celebrated on various dates depending on the region, and at one time, it was even celebrated on November 11 to coincide with Armistice Day (Veterans Day in the U.S.). But in 1957, the Canadian government declared the second Monday in October to be the official day.
Is Canadian Thanksgiving Similar to the American One?
In many ways, Canadian Thanksgiving shares a lot of similarities with the American version, particularly when it comes to the overarching theme of gratitude and family togetherness. Both holidays revolve around the harvest season and emphasize enjoying food with loved ones. However, Canadian Thanksgiving has a more distinctly fall-oriented feel, with an emphasis on the changing seasons and nature’s bounty before winter sets in.
On the flip side, American Thanksgiving often feels more centered around the “American Dream” narrative, with more focus on historical themes and the celebration of abundance. In Canada, the holiday is often seen as a time for quiet reflection and enjoyment of nature’s gifts, rather than a big public spectacle.
The Importance of the Second Monday in October
So, why does Canadian Thanksgiving always fall on the second Monday in October? This timing is tied to the Canadian government's decision to honor the harvest season while also giving people a long weekend to celebrate. It serves as an official closure to the autumn harvest period, allowing people to gather their thoughts—and their food—before winter arrives.
Personal Insight
I’ve always found Canadian Thanksgiving to be a fascinating holiday. While it’s not as internationally recognized as its American counterpart, there’s something uniquely serene about the timing. The crisp fall air, the changing leaves, and the sense of impending winter make it feel more like a celebration of nature itself rather than just food and family. If you ever get a chance to experience it up north, I definitely recommend it!
Conclusion
Canadian Thanksgiving is more than just a feast—it's a celebration of nature's bounty and an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of the year. While it may be different from its American cousin in terms of timing and traditions, the spirit of gratitude remains the same. So, the next time someone asks you, "When is Canadian Thanksgiving?" you’ll have the perfect answer.
What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving, whether it's Canadian or American? Let us know in the comments!