By: Andrea Ketis
Thanksgiving is often regarded as the official start of autumn. The long weekend surrounding this holiday is spent raking leaves, watching nature transition from a vibrant green to a fiery red and orange, and sharing a meal with friends and family. But where did the custom originate?
Before the arrival of European settlers to Canada in the early seventeenth century, the tradition of giving thanks was practiced by First Nations across Turtle Island. They would often give thanks for surviving the winter and receiving crops as a reward for their hard work, through feasting, prayer, dance, and other ceremonies.
The first Thanksgiving in Canada was observed in 1578, in present-day Nunavut, by English explorer Martin Frobisher (below) and his crew. The explorers gave thanks through Communion for their safe arrival, and dined on biscuits and salt beef.
Years later, on November 14, 1606, Samuel de Champlain and the inhabitants of New France held large feasts between local Mi’kmaq and French communities. At the time, cranberries (which were likely introduced to the settlers by the Mi’kmaq) were often credited with helping avoid scurvy, due to their high concentration of vitamin C. Knowing this, to prevent the scurvy epidemic, Champlain founded the Ordre de Bon Temps (Order of Good Cheer) and offered festive meals every few weeks.
English explorer Martin Frobisher celebrated the
first Canadian Thanksgiving in 1578.
The first official Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated on November 6, 1879. However, owing to the overlap with Remembrance Day on November 11, the Canadian Parliament declared, on January 31, 1957, that the holiday would be held annually on the second Monday of October.
Thanksgiving is currently an official statutory holiday in all provinces and territories in Canada, except for Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. There are slight differences regarding how the holiday is celebrated, with most concerning the dishes that are served. For instance, “Jiggs’ dinner” is preferred over turkey in Newfoundland, and while pumpkin pie is considered the traditional dessert, there are many regional favourites, such as butter tarts in Ontario and Nanaimo bars in British Columbia.
Overall, Canadian Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Indigenous values and the traditions brought by European explorers. This holiday celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year, as friends and family come together to celebrate.
Happy Thanksgiving!