Today marks Canadian Thanksgiving, a time for families to get together.
Did you know that Canadian Thanksgiving is widely recognized as the first celebration of its kind in North America?
Its history dates to 1578, when Englishman Martin Frobisher set out in search of the Northwest Passage, along the northern coast of North America.
On his third voyage to the bay area of Baffin Island (now the Canadian territory of Nunavut), the 15 ships were filled with men and materials to begin a small settlement.
Frobisher’s journey was harrowing as the fleet traveled in bad weather and harsh storms. They lost a ship and most of the building materials. Making it through the storm and reuniting with the rest of the fleet, they gave thanks for a miraculous deliverance from the dangers.
For years, Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated on different dates to coincide with larger events. In 1816, Thanksgiving was celebrated in the spring, to mark the end of the war between France and Great Britain. In 1921, both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving were celebrated on the first Monday during the week of November 11.
Today, Canada has an official Thanksgiving Day — the second Monday in October – making it easier for Canadians to plan a three-day long weekend with the family. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and to give gratitude for what we have.
Do you celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving? How will you spend the time with your family?
Whatever you have planned for this Thanksgiving weekend, we hope you enjoy the time with family and friends!
