thanksgiving

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The following information, links, and some of the graphics were found on

Annie's "Canadian Thanksgiving Day" Page.

~Celebrated on the Second Monday in October~

~Monday October 9th, 2000~

When does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving?

Encarta says: "It was formerly celebrated on the last Monday in October. But in 1957, the Canadian government proclaimed the second Monday in October to be the holiday."

Comptons: "A national Thanksgiving Day was first proclaimed in Canada in 1879. After World War I it was merged with Armistice Day for a time. In 1931 the two were made separate holidays, and the second Monday in October was proclaimed Thanksgiving Day."

How is Canadian Thanksgiving Celebrated?

Encarta says: "Thanksgiving Day in Canada is celebrated in much the same way as in the United States."

What is the History of the holiday?

Comptons says: "The first Thanksgiving Day in Canada was observed at Port Royal, N.S., in 1710, when the town and fort passed into English hands for the last time. In 1760 a day of thanksgiving at Halifax marked the victory of General Jeffrey Amherst's troops at Montreal.

These early thanksgiving days were held at various times, usually to celebrate military victories or the birth of royal children. The Scottish settlers of Nova Scotia emphasized the religious aspect of a day of thanksgiving. Halifax in 1762 was the first community to give thanks for a bountiful harvest."

Why is the Canadian Thanksgiving earlier than in the US?

Encarta says: "Thanksgiving is also a legal holiday in Canada. Because Canada is north of the United States, its harvest comes earlier in the year. Accordingly, the Thanksgiving holiday falls earlier in Canada than in the United States. The Canadian Parliament set aside November 6 for annual Thanksgiving observances in 1879. In 1957 the date was shifted to an even earlier day, to the second Monday in October."

Canadian Thanksgiving Day Links: