Why Do Canada And The US Celebrate Thanksgiving On Different Days?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The meaning ascribed to Thanksgiving is slightly different between Canada and the U.S. Historically in Canada, Thanksgiving celebrations

commemorated everything from explorer Martin Frobisher's successful 1578 crossing of the Northwest Passage to victories during the World Wars

, whereas the emphasis in the U.S. is on …

What is the story behind Canadian Thanksgiving?

The

first Thanksgiving after Confederation was observed

on 5 April 1872. A national civic rather than a religious one, it was held to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from an illness. Thanksgiving was first observed as an annual event in Canada on 6 November 1879.

Why does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in October?

The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving are more closely connected to the traditions of Europe than of the United States. … And since Thanksgiving for Canadians is

more about giving thanks for the harvest season than the arrival of pilgrims

, it makes sense to celebrate the holiday in October.

Is Canada the only country that celebrates Thanksgiving in October?

Canada. Canadian Thanksgiving is held on a different date, partly because it commemorates a different event. … Canadian Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday of October, the same day the United States celebrates Columbus Day.

Why is Thanksgiving in November instead of October?

Since George Washington's time, Thursday has been the day, and this was

solidified by Abraham Lincoln's proclamation in 1863

designating the national day of Thanksgiving to be the last Thursday of November. Later that was amended to the fourth Thursday in November.

Does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving?

If you had a hunch that Canadian Thanksgiving might take place on a different date than American Thanksgiving, you're right. … That's because

Canadians traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October

.

Is Canadian Thanksgiving a big deal?

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year in the United States—with huge parades, massive feasts, and football—but

it's decidedly lower key in Canada

. … (*The exceptions are the Atlantic provinces, where the holiday is an optional day off, and in Quebec, where the holiday isn't as popular overall.)

Is Canadian Thanksgiving a religious holiday?

Although the original act of Parliament references God and

the holiday is celebrated in churches

, the holiday is mostly celebrated in a secular manner. Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in all provinces in Canada, except for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Is Thanksgiving a religious holiday?


Thanksgiving is definitely a religious holiday rooted in the Christian tradition of our country

. … Hence, America's first Thanksgiving was about prayer and thanksgiving to God.

Which came first Canadian or American Thanksgiving?

According to the article, the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada began in modern-day

Newfoundland

in the 16th century, more than 4 decades before the famous “first” Thanksgiving in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Canadian Thanksgiving kicked off with a feast of biscuits, salt beef, and mushy peas in 1578.

What do you eat for Canadian Thanksgiving?

  • Maple Roast Turkey and Gravy.
  • Harvest Rice Dish.
  • Mashed Potatoes with Fried Mushroom, Bacon, and Onion.
  • Bread and Celery Stuffing.
  • Maple Cranberry Sauce.
  • Mincemeat and Pumpkin Layer Pie.

Does Canada Trick or Treat?

This year: Sun, Oct 31, 2021 Last year: Sat, Oct 31, 2020 Type: Observance

Who invented Thanksgiving?

In 1621,

the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans

shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.

Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

For meat,

the Wampanoag brought deer, and the Pilgrims provided wild “fowl

.” Strictly speaking, that “fowl” could have been turkeys, which were native to the area, but historians think it was probably ducks or geese. …

Has Thanksgiving been in October?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving 2020 occurs on Thursday, November 26. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the

second

Monday in October. (Read more about Canadian Thanksgiving here!)

Why is it called Thanksgiving?

The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was

celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October 1621

. This feast lasted three days, and—as recounted by attendee Edward Winslow— was attended by 90 Wampanoag and 53 Pilgrims.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.