Happy Thanksgiving to Our Canadian Friends!

 

 

Thanksgiving, which is celebrated throughout North America, is rooted in the European agricultural tradition. However, even before settlers arrived in the promised land, once a year First Nations members also celebrated the fertility of their lands, the abundance of the harvests and the fruits of their labors.

Thanksgiving customs have evolved over time. The occasion was formerly marked by proclamation, mentioning a specific theme. The holiday is now an opportunity for many people to give thanks for their good fortune. Most of us share a traditional meal with our families, spend time with loved ones visiting from far away, or simply enjoy the company of friends.

On this special day, my family, my team, and I encourage all our Canadian Friends, and Clients to do just that, and we wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Historical Traditions

English explorer, Martin Frobisher, is credited with celebrating Canada's First Thanksgiving in 1578 after landing in Newfoundland to give thanks for his safe arrival.

The practice of "giving thanks" was already widely practiced in Europe as a way of celebrating the harvest season. The cornucopia or horn of plenty (a goat's horn filled with harvested fruits, vegetables and grains) was used as a symbol of thanksgiving. When American settlers came to Canada, they also brought along their own traditions.

On January 31, 1957, Canadian Parliament issued a Proclamation: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed...to be observed on the second Monday in October".

Celebrations

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on any of the days of the long weekend. Like the Americans, Canadians use this time to reconnect with family and friends by sharing a large meal or feast together. Similarly, Canadians also hold Thanksgiving Day parades locally or they watch larger ones like the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest on television. Many Canadians also watch The Canadian Football League double-header games on the Monday holiday.

Religious Canadians attend a Thanksgiving service at church on the Sunday where hymns and verse selections relate to being thankful to God in general. At this time of year churches, as well as other secular organizations, coordinate canned food donations for those in need. Many families like to mark the holiday by volunteering to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless or needy at a soup kitchen. Other families use the long weekend holiday as a time to plan a mini-vacation to get away.