A LITTLE CANADIAN THANKSGIVING HISTORY

Each year on the second Monday of October Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. This festive day has many historical roots. Unlike the American Thanksgiving, it has nothing to do with pilgrims. According to history, the explorer Martin Frobisher is credited with the first celebration. After crossing the ocean and landing in Newfoundland, he gaves thanks for a save crossing. Samuel de Champlain, another significant figure in Canadian history had a celebration in 1608 in Nova Scotia giving thanks. Some say it coincides with the European Harvest celebration. I do not know of anyone who immigrated from Europe however that even knew about Thanksgiving until living in Canada. In modern times there were different dates and times Thanksgiving was celebrated. In 1957 the Canadian Parliament made it official- the second Monday in October - thanskgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest Canada has been blessed." So our celebration has to do with celebrating the harvest. Churches will have a cornucopia filled with fall vegetables and fruit in celebration. For my next few posts, I will reflect on various Thanksgiving themes. However the nicest aspect is Thanksgiving is a slow time with a good meal. Unlike other holiday times it is less stressful and a real family celebration too. What are your historical thoughts of Thanksgiving? Do you remember what you did at home and school to learn about the event?