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October 12, 2009

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Since today is Canadian Thanksgiving we thought we would post a few facts about it!

WHY IS THANKSGIVING CELEBRATED ON A DIFFERENT DAY IN CANADA?

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. But, why do they do that? Why doesnt Canada celebrate Thanksgiving the same day as the United States?

Basically, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and is not based on a historical date like Christmas. So, the entire world does not celebrate Thanksgiving and even those that do frequently celebrate on different dates than the United States.

Canada is a perfect example. Canada's Thanksgiving is based on a bountiful harvest and not on the Pilgrims and the New World like the Unites States holiday. The reason it occurs earlier than the US Thanksgiving is that Canada is north of the United States and because of this the harvest season occurs earlier during the year. So, it only makes sense for Canada to celebrate its fall harvest during their fall and harvest time!

The First Canadian Thanksgiving Amazingly, the first Canadian Thanksgiving goes back even further than the United States. Back in 1578 an English explorer named Martin Frobisher was trying to find a northern route to the Orient. He was not successful in his quest, but he did end up establishing a settlement somewhere along what is Newfoundland today. Despite not making it to the Orient Frobisher was thankful the journey had been safe and decided to have a day of thanks. This resulted in the first Canadian Thanksgiving.

During this same time frame many French settlers were making their way to the area and also began having days of thanks during the harvest time. They, like the American Pilgrims, invited local Indians to take part in their feast.

This is how the Canadian Thanksgiving started and why they don't celebrate on the same day as the United States. This is a nice little piece of information to take with you so you know why our northern neighbors celebrate on a different date and also the reason why they celebrate!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF OUR CANADIAN FRIENDS!

AND THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR MANY, MANY BLESSINGS......SALVATION, FAMILY, FRIENDS, PROVISION, HEALTH.....YOU ARE AN AMAZING GOD!

And we are working on being thankful for the snow that we had this morning....

And we are very thankful that it is melting :)

2 comments:

The Mayo Family said...

Hello....
Well "Happy Thanksgiving" wow, that was a great school lesson for the day we know a family (now in WI) who yes celebrate twice! However , never knew why ya'll had it earlier than we do. so thats fun to know.
We are also wanting to thank you for sharing your "Canadian" weather! Ha! We enjoyed a few of your flurries...and for sure the cold temps are here...burr! A lil'early for even Wisconsin! Ours is not really sticking thou.
Hope your day was great...some pics would be fun!
Blessings,
Momma Mayo

Esther Penner said...

Thanks Rosalie in doing such a good job in explaining to our friends south of the border what our Canadian Thanksgiving is all about. Thanks also for sharing your childen with us for the day. It made it very special. We do have LOTS to be thankful for!