Canadian Thanksgiving: Tracing its Origins

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving every second Monday of October. The celebration, as we know it today, keeps the essence of being grateful for a bountiful harvest received. It also mirrors deep faith and gratitude to a supreme being that protects, blesses, and listens to every citizen's prayers.

Thanksgiving dinner in Canada

The origins of Thanksgiving have been subject to much debate and argument. The Americans claim that the tradition began with them; however, Canadians say that their Thanksgiving celebrations are closely associated with their European roots. Early Europeans have had a tradition of holding festivals of thanks after harvest time. This takes place in October. Additionally, the first North American Thanksgiving celebrations happened in Canada in the year 1578. An English explorer named Martin Frobisher set foot at Newfoundland and wanted to offer his gratefulness for his safe passage and arrival into the New World. This would mean that the initial Thanksgiving in Canada happened 43 years earlier than the time the American pilgrims first arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Boxing Day – It Has Nothing to Do With Muhammad Ali

A lot of you have probably heard the term “Boxing Day” at least once in your life just like millions of people across the globe. But since you don’t celebrate Boxing Day, it is likely that you never bothered to find out what it was all about. Now you can find out what Boxing Day is and what happens during this holiday.

At the heels of December 25’s Christmas celebration is Boxing Day. It’s a holiday celebrated in countries like Britain and Canada. Boxing Day has evolved into an extra day for families and friends to spend more quality time together. For retailers in countries where it is observed, it’s like Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving Day, in the United States. Almost everything goes on sale much to the shoppers’ delight.

Countries that recognize Boxing Day

The United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Wales), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, Fiji, Cook Islands, Greenland, Denmark, British Virgin Islands, Finland, Greece, and Hungary are some of the countries that observe Boxing Day. Apart from these countries, several Commonwealth countries and protectorates also celebrate Boxing Day. 

In Ireland, instead of Boxing Day, they celebrate St. Stephen’s Day, which is a religious holiday. Since 1994, in South Africa, the term Day of Goodwill has replaced Boxing Day.

Of Pilgrims, Turkeys, Parades, Football and Black Friday – Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Tradition dictates that Thanksgiving Day in America be celebrated every fourth Thursday of November. This is why this year Thanksgiving Day falls on November 24. This holiday is a perfect time to be with family and friends, to share a meal, watch some football and participate in all kinds of family traditions associated with the Thanksgiving. Each family has their own Thanksgiving customs and traditions. There is really no wrong way or right way to celebrate this holiday for as long as everyone remembers the original intent of Thanksgiving Day.

What do people give thanks for? Many non-Americans are not aware why there is such a holiday in the U.S. They probably have greeted their American friends, co-workers and acquaintances a “Happy Thanksgiving” without really knowing what the holiday is all about. If you yourself have no idea about Thanksgiving and the brouhaha surrounding it, here is what you should know.