50 Facts About Canadian Thanksgiving

The Origins of Canadian Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving has a rich history that dates back centuries. Its origins are deeply rooted in both Indigenous and European traditions.

1. First Celebration: The first Canadian Thanksgiving took place in 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a ceremony in Frobisher Bay, Nunavut, to give thanks for surviving their perilous journey from England.

2. Indigenous Celebrations: Indigenous peoples in Canada have long celebrated the fall harvest with communal feasts, a tradition that predates European settlers.

3. European Influence: European settlers brought harvest celebrations from their homelands, symbolized by the cornucopia, or horn of plenty, representing abundance and nourishment.

4. First Official Celebration: The first official, annual Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated on November 6, 1879, though it wasn't universally observed until much later.

Evolution of the Thanksgiving Date

The date of Canadian Thanksgiving has changed multiple times before settling on its current date.

5. Date Changes: The date for Canadian Thanksgiving varied over the years, initially celebrated as late as December 6 and even coinciding with American Thanksgiving several times before being fixed on the second Monday in October in 1957.

6. Post-Confederation Celebrations: The first Thanksgiving after Canadian Confederation was observed on April 5, 1872, to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from an illness.

7. First National Thanksgiving: The first national Thanksgiving in Canada was observed in the Province of Canada in 1859, organized by Protestant clergy to recognize God’s mercies.

Regional Variations and Traditions

Thanksgiving traditions can vary widely across Canada's diverse regions.

8. Statutory Holiday: Thanksgiving is an official statutory holiday in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

9. Regional Variations: While the core elements of the Thanksgiving meal remain consistent, there are regional variations. For example, Jiggs’ dinner is often preferred over turkey in Newfoundland.

10. Quebec’s Unique Name: In Quebec, Thanksgiving is known as "Action de grâce," reflecting its French heritage and cultural differences from the rest of Canada.

Historical Figures and Their Contributions

Several historical figures have played significant roles in shaping Canadian Thanksgiving.

11. Martin Frobisher’s Legacy: Martin Frobisher is credited with introducing the concept of Thanksgiving to North America. His crew’s survival and the successful expedition were reasons for their thanksgiving ceremony in 1578.

12. Samuel de Champlain’s Role: Samuel de Champlain, the founder of New France, also played a significant role in early Thanksgiving celebrations. The French settlers typically had feasts at the end of the harvest season and shared food with Indigenous peoples.

Traditional Foods and Modern Celebrations

Thanksgiving in Canada is marked by a variety of traditional foods and modern celebrations.

13. Harvest Feast Traditions: The traditional Canadian Thanksgiving feast includes uniquely North American dishes such as turkey, squash, and pumpkin, introduced to Nova Scotia in the 1750s and becoming common across Canada by the 1870s.

14. Modern Celebrations: Today, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and cultural events, reflecting Canada’s multicultural society.

15. Cultural Diversity: Many Canadian families incorporate their own cultural traditions into their Thanksgiving celebrations. For example, Caribbean dishes like curried beef stews and black cake are common in some households.

Unique Dishes and Culinary Traditions

Food is a central part of Thanksgiving, and each region has its own unique culinary traditions.

16. Regional Cuisine: The cuisine associated with Canadian Thanksgiving varies by region. In Ontario and Quebec, dishes like back bacon and tourtière are popular, while in other provinces, different dishes such as Jiggs’ dinner in Newfoundland are preferred.

17. Food Traditions: The traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. However, regional specialties like butter tarts in Ontario and Nanaimo bars in British Columbia are also popular.

18. Turkey Consumption: Turkey is a central part of the Canadian Thanksgiving meal. In 2020, Canadians purchased 2.5 million whole turkeys, accounting for 36% of all whole turkeys sold that year.

19. Health Effects: Turkey consumption can cause tiredness due to its tryptophan content, which is used by the human body to create serotonin, promoting slow-wave sleep.

20. Wishbone Tradition: The breaking of the wishbone tradition originated from the ancient Romans, who pulled apart chicken bones for good luck. The English adopted this practice in the 16th century, and it was later adapted with wild turkey bones by the Pilgrims.

Historical Dates and Cultural Exchange

Thanksgiving in Canada has evolved through various historical events and cultural exchanges.

21. Historical Dates: The first Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1578, while the first official annual celebration was held on November 6, 1879. The date was later changed to the second Monday in October in 1957.

22. Cultural Exchange: The celebration of Thanksgiving in Canada reflects the country’s cultural exchange with other nations. For instance, Caribbean dishes are common in some households, reflecting the cultural diversity of Canada.

23. Family Gatherings: Canadian Thanksgiving is often associated with family gatherings. Many families celebrate multiple Thanksgivings throughout the year, including with siblings, in-laws, and office friends whose families are too far away.

24. Leftovers: The tradition of using leftovers to make hot turkey sandwiches is a common practice in many Canadian households. This tradition adds to the festive atmosphere of the holiday.

25. Cottage Clean-Out: For many Canadians, Thanksgiving marks the weekend when they close up their cottages for the winter. This means a massive fridge clean-out and putting the kitchen to bed on Monday before the drive back to city homes.

Desserts and Cultural Inspirations

Desserts and cultural inspirations play a significant role in Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations.

26. Traditional Desserts: While pumpkin pie is a common dessert nationally, there are regional favorites like apple pie and pecan pie for those who do not love pumpkin.

27. Cultural Inspirations: Canadian Thanksgiving is unique in how it folds in cultural inspirations. Families with diverse backgrounds often incorporate their own cultural dishes into the traditional meal.

28. Historical Context of American Thanksgiving: The American Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, has its roots in the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people. This event is often seen as the first American Thanksgiving.

29. Symbolism of the Cornucopia: The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is a symbol associated with Thanksgiving in North America. It represents abundance and nourishment, reflecting the harvest theme of the holiday.

30. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Parade: During Thanksgiving Monday, the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest parade takes place, showcasing the cultural diversity of the region.

Historical Significance and Evolution

The historical significance and evolution of Thanksgiving in Canada highlight its importance in Canadian culture.

31. Historical Significance of Martin Frobisher’s Expedition: Martin Frobisher’s expedition in 1578 not only introduced the concept of Thanksgiving but also marked a significant moment in Canadian history. His crew’s survival and the successful expedition were reasons for their thanksgiving ceremony.

32. Samuel de Champlain’s Influence: Samuel de Champlain’s influence on early Canadian celebrations cannot be overstated. His role in establishing New France and promoting harvest feasts contributed to the development of Thanksgiving traditions in Canada.

33. Regional Variations in Celebrations: While the core elements of Thanksgiving remain consistent, regional variations are evident. For example, in Quebec, Thanksgiving is called "Action de grâce," and it is celebrated to a lesser extent than in other parts of Canada.

34. Historical Dates of Thanksgiving Celebrations: The first national Thanksgiving in Canada was observed in 1859, while the first official annual celebration was held on November 6, 1879. The date was later changed to the second Monday in October in 1957.

35. Cultural Exchange and Diversity: Canadian Thanksgiving reflects the country’s cultural exchange and diversity. Many families incorporate their own cultural traditions into their celebrations, making it a unique and inclusive holiday.

36. Family Traditions: Family traditions play a significant role in Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families have their own unique customs and dishes that are passed down through generations.

37. Food Traditions Across Canada: While turkey is a staple in many households, other regions have their own unique dishes. For example, in Newfoundland, Jiggs’ dinner is often preferred over turkey.

38. Historical Context of European Settlements: The European settlements in Canada brought with them a tradition of harvest celebrations. This was reflected in the use of the cornucopia as a symbol of abundance and nourishment.

39. Indigenous Peoples’ Role in Harvest Celebrations: Indigenous peoples have played a significant role in harvest celebrations in Canada. Their communal feasts predated the arrival of European settlers and continue to be an important part of their cultural heritage.

40. Cultural Influences on Thanksgiving Celebrations: Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations are influenced by various cultural traditions. For example, Caribbean dishes are common in some households, reflecting the cultural diversity of Canada.

41. Family Gatherings and Traditions: Family gatherings are a central part of Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations. Many families have their own unique customs and dishes that are passed down through generations.

42. Leftovers and Traditional Meals: The tradition of using leftovers to make hot turkey sandwiches is a common practice in many Canadian households. This tradition adds to the festive atmosphere of the holiday.

43. Cottage Clean-Out and Winter Preparation: For many Canadians, Thanksgiving marks the weekend when they close up their cottages for the winter. This means a massive fridge clean-out and putting the kitchen to bed on Monday before the drive back to city homes.

44. Traditional Desserts and Regional Favorites: While pumpkin pie is a common dessert nationally, there are regional favorites like apple pie and pecan pie for those who do not love pumpkin.

45. Cultural Inspirations and Diversity: Canadian Thanksgiving is unique in how it folds in cultural inspirations. Families with diverse backgrounds often incorporate their own cultural dishes into the traditional meal.

46. Historical Significance and Evolution of Thanksgiving Celebrations: The celebration of Thanksgiving in Canada has evolved over time, reflecting the country’s cultural and historical development. From its early beginnings with Martin Frobisher’s expedition to its modern-day celebrations, Thanksgiving remains an important part of Canadian culture and tradition.

47. Modern Celebrations and Cultural Events: Today, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and cultural events, reflecting Canada’s multicultural society.

48. Cultural Diversity and Family Traditions: Many Canadian families incorporate their own cultural traditions into their Thanksgiving celebrations. For example, Caribbean dishes like curried beef stews and black cake are common in some households.

49. Regional Cuisine and Food Traditions: The cuisine associated with Canadian Thanksgiving varies by region. In Ontario and Quebec, dishes like back bacon and tourtière are popular, while in other provinces, different dishes such as Jiggs’ dinner in Newfoundland are preferred.

50. Unique Dishes and Culinary Traditions: Food is a central part of Thanksgiving, and each region has its own unique culinary traditions. The traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. However, regional specialties like butter tarts in Ontario and Nanaimo bars in British Columbia are also popular.

Celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday in October, is a rich blend of history, culture, and tradition. From Martin Frobisher's 1578 expedition to modern-day family feasts, this holiday reflects Canada's diverse heritage. Indigenous harvest celebrations, European influences, and regional variations all contribute to its unique character. Traditional meals often feature turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, but regional dishes like Jiggs’ dinner in Newfoundland add local flavor. Family gatherings, cultural diversity, and even cottage clean-outs mark this festive time. Whether it's breaking the wishbone or enjoying leftovers, Canadian Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness. This holiday continues to evolve, embracing new traditions while honoring old ones. So, as Canadians gather around their tables, they celebrate not just the harvest but the rich tapestry of their shared history and culture.