BUT we still have BLACK FRIDAY sales!!!!!

Today is American Thanksgiving. It is not in Canada. I guess it’s RED THURSDAY, so they say…  the day before BLACK FRIDAY.

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. But, why then? Why doesn’t Canada celebrate Thanksgiving the same day as the United States?

Basically, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks and is not based on a historical date like Christmas. So, the entire world does not celebrate Thanksgiving and even those that do, frequently celebrate on different dates than the United States. Canada is a perfect example.

Canada’s Thanksgiving is based on a bountiful harvest and not on the Pilgrims and the New World like the Unites States holiday. The reason it occurs earlier than the US Thanksgiving is that Canada is north of the United States and because of this the harvest season occurs earlier during the year. It only makes sense for Canada to celebrate its fall harvest during their fall and harvest time! It’s actually a very beautiful time to celebrate and be thankful.

The First Canadian Thanksgiving?

The first Canadian Thanksgiving goes back even further than the United States. Back in 1578 an English explorer named Martin Frobisher was trying to find a northern route to the Orient. He was not successful in his quest, but he did end up establishing a settlement somewhere along what is Newfoundland today. Despite not making it to the Orient Frobisher was thankful the journey had been safe and decided to have a day of thanks. This resulted in the first Canadian Thanksgiving.

During this same time frame many French settlers were making their way to the area and also began having days of thanks during the harvest time. They, like the American Pilgrims, invited local Indians to take part in their feast.

This is how the Canadian Thanksgiving started and why Canada doesn’t celebrate on the same day as the United States. BUT…

we still have BLACK FRIDAY SALES! Although I’m not sure why considering it’s a US marketing ploy…EVERYONE wants a good deal!

So..Happy Thanksgiving to our American Family & Friends. May you have a wonderful day.