What is Canadian Thanksgiving Day?
Canadian Thanksgiving Day, also known as Thanksgiving in Canada, is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. It is a time for Canadians to come together and give thanks for the harvest, the blessings of the past year, and to honor family and friends. Unlike its American counterpart, which is held in November, Canadian Thanksgiving has its roots in the harvest celebrations of early European settlers and Indigenous peoples.
The history of Canadian Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when French explorer Samuel de Champlain and his crew celebrated a harvest feast with Indigenous peoples in 1606. However, it was not until 1879 that the holiday was officially recognized by the Canadian government. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition, filled with family gatherings, feasts, and a sense of gratitude for the bountiful harvest and the country’s many blessings.
