When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday in Canada? This question often piques the interest of both Canadians and international visitors alike. Thanksgiving in Canada is a time for families to gather, express gratitude, and celebrate the harvest. The holiday has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century. However, it wasn’t until 1957 that Thanksgiving was officially recognized as a national holiday in Canada.

The roots of Thanksgiving in Canada can be traced back to the early settlers who arrived in the New World. In 1606, French explorer Samuel de Champlain celebrated the harvest with the Indigenous peoples of the region, marking the first recorded Thanksgiving celebration in what is now Canada. Over the years, various provinces and territories adopted their own Thanksgiving celebrations, often celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for the bountiful crops.

It wasn’t until 1879 that the first national Thanksgiving was celebrated, when Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald declared a day of national thanksgiving to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution Act, 1867. However, this was not a permanent holiday, and the celebration varied from year to year.

The push for a permanent national Thanksgiving holiday gained momentum in the 1950s. In 1956, the Parliament of Canada passed a resolution to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. The following year, on October 10, 1957, Thanksgiving was officially recognized as a national holiday in Canada. The date of the holiday was set to the second Monday in October, a date that has been observed ever since.

Thanksgiving in Canada is a time for reflection and gratitude, as well as a celebration of the country’s rich history and diverse culture. The holiday is marked by various traditions, including family gatherings, feasts, and the watching of parades. It is a time to appreciate the abundance of nature and the hard work of farmers and other workers who contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving became a national holiday in Canada in 1957, following years of celebration and advocacy. The holiday serves as a reminder of the country’s history, its people, and the abundance of nature that surrounds them. As Canadians gather to celebrate this special time of year, they reflect on the many reasons to be thankful for their lives and the nation they call home.