A Journey Through Canadian and American Thanksgiving: Origin, Traditions, and Differences

Introduction to Canada’s Thanksgiving

When did Thanksgiving start being celebrated in Canada? According to historical records, the first recorded Thanksgiving service in Canada was in 1578 by the chaplain of explorer Martin Frobisher. Fast forward to today, Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, a tradition deeply rooted in the harvest festival. This date signifies the end of the harvest season and a time of gratitude for the abundant harvest.

Early Beginnings and Comparative Timeline

Historians agree that the first celebration of Thanksgiving in North America occurred in 1579 after the safe landing of Martin Frobisher’s fleet in Newfoundland. The explorer had embarked on an unsuccessful attempt to find the Northwest Passage. This marks the advent of Thanksgiving in the region, predating the American celebration by almost 60 years.

In the early 17th century, French settlers, led by explorer Samuel de Champlain, also held feasts of thanks. They formed the Order of Good Cheer, sharing food with their First Nations neighbors. These early events laid the groundwork for future Thanksgiving celebrations in Canada and the United States, but the contexts and traditions gradually evolved differently over time.

The Development of American Thanksgiving

In the United States, the first official national Thanksgiving day was celebrated in 1789, but it was not an annual event. It wasn’t until the 1840s that Thanksgiving celebrations became more widespread, and it was President Abraham Lincoln who officially established the fourth Thursday of November as the federal holiday in 1863. This decision aimed to bring settlers together to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and to foster a sense of unity during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.

A notable difference is that, unlike the American Thanksgiving, the Canadian celebration is not viewed as a patriotic holiday celebrating colonialism. Instead, it is a harvest thanksgiving and generally observed as a quiet, family-oriented celebration without the pageantry or sports festivities.

Highlights of Canadian and American Celebrations

Similarities:

Both countries feature similar traditional dishes, such as overcooked turkey, canned cranberry jelly, pies made from canned squash and condensed milk, and overcooked veggies. While gratitude for the harvest is central, the emphasis on family and food is a common thread across the board.

Differences:

Date: Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October, while American Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday in November. This means Canadian Thanksgiving occurs earlier in the season, when harvest is still in full swing, while American Thanksgiving day often coincides with the start of winter. Context: The American celebration often includes patriotic and political elements, while the Canadian Thanksgiving is more focused on personal and communal gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Activities: Canadian Thanksgiving is marked by quieter, family-oriented gatherings without the football games and shopping frenzies that characterize the American celebration.

Conclusion

Both Canada and the United States share a tradition of giving thanks for the harvest. While their historical origins and current celebrations bear some similarities, the nuances in their approaches offer a fascinating insight into how cultural traditions can evolve over time. As Thanksgiving approaches, both countries encourage their citizens to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to give thanks for the opportunities and abundance they have received.