Why Is Thanksgiving In October In Canada And November In The USA?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Long before Europeans settled in North America, festivals of thanks and celebrations of harvest took place in Europe in the month of October. … 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 in October.

Why is Thanksgiving different in Canada and US?

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 …

Why is American Thanksgiving in November?

Thanksgiving Day is a

national holiday

in the United States, and Thanksgiving 2021 occurs on Thursday, November 25. 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.

Who had Thanksgiving First Canada or USA?

Canadian Thanksgiving takes place on the second Monday in October, while the US celebrates on the fourth Thursday of November. The earliest recorded Canadian Thanksgiving actually dates back to 1578 — well before

the Pilgrims

and the Native Americans feasted at Plymouth in 1621.

What is the story behind Canadian Thanksgiving?

The

first Thanksgiving after Confederation was observed

on 5 April 1872. A national civic holiday 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 is Canada so similar to the US?

Canada and the United States are similar in a great many ways. The two countries

are neighbors, friends, and allies

; the border between the two countries is the world's longest undefended border. Our northern states are, economically, closely integrated with Canada; many people cross the border every day for work.

Does any other country celebrate Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States,

Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Liberia

. … Similarly named festival holidays occur in Germany and Japan.

What is a good Thanksgiving message?

  • We are so grateful for you and your family! …
  • We all have so much to be thankful for! …
  • Happy Thanksgiving! …
  • May you enjoy the warmth of family this season and the harvest of the feast! …
  • Sending you laughter, joy and lots of stuffing this Thanksgiving.

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. …

Does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in November?

Canadian Thanksgiving is in October—and on a Monday

Since the beginning of the Thanksgiving holiday, its date has moved several times—from mid-week in April to a

Thursday in November

—until 1957, when the Canadian government officially declared that Thanksgiving would occur on the second Monday in October.

Did Canada invent Thanksgiving?

Though

Canada does have a first Thanksgiving story

analogous to the U.S. story of the feast at Plymouth in 1621 — it involves the pirate/explorer Martin Frobisher giving thanks in 1578 for a safe journey, and is likewise highly mythologized — the official holiday got its start in the 19th century.

Did Canada have Thanksgiving first?

The very first Thanksgiving celebration in North America took place in Canada when Martin Frobisher, an explorer from England, arrived in

Newfoundland in 1578

. He wanted to give thanks for his safe arrival to the New World.

What is Canada's version of Thanksgiving?


Thanksgiving
Celebrations Spending time with family, feasting, religious practice, football (Thanksgiving Day Classic) Date Second Monday in October

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.

What is the true history of Thanksgiving?

The “first Thanksgiving,” as a lot of folks understand it, was

in 1621

between the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag* tribe in present-day Massachusetts. While records indicate that this celebration did happen, there are a few misconceptions we need to clear up.

Does Canada Trick or Treat?

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