Who had Thanksgiving first, Canada or USA? This question has sparked debates among historians and enthusiasts for years. While both countries celebrate Thanksgiving, the origins of the holiday are distinct and have different timelines. Understanding the history of Thanksgiving in Canada and the USA can provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of this festive occasion.
The first Thanksgiving celebration in what is now Canada is often attributed to the explorer Martin Frobisher, who landed in what is now Newfoundland in 1578. Frobisher held a feast to give thanks for his safe voyage and to celebrate the discovery of a new land. This event is considered the first Thanksgiving in Canada, predating the traditional American Thanksgiving by over a century.
In the United States, the first Thanksgiving is commonly associated with the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The Pilgrims, seeking religious freedom, faced harsh conditions in their new home. In 1621, they held a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans to celebrate their harvest and to thank the Native Americans for their assistance in surviving the first winter. This event is often regarded as the first Thanksgiving in the USA.
However, it is important to note that Thanksgiving celebrations were not widespread or consistent in either country during the colonial period. In Canada, Thanksgiving was initially celebrated in various forms and at different times. It was not until 1879 that the Canadian government declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, and it was celebrated on November 6th until 1957, when it was moved to the second Monday in October.
In the United States, Thanksgiving was also celebrated at different times and dates by different colonies. It was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November. This date was later changed to the fourth Thursday in November in 1941 by an act of Congress.
Despite the differences in the origins and establishment of Thanksgiving in Canada and the USA, both countries share a common appreciation for the holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather, express gratitude, and celebrate the abundance of food and blessings in their lives. The historical context of the holiday serves as a reminder of the cultural and social interactions between settlers and Native Americans that shaped the development of both nations.
In conclusion, while Canada can claim to have had Thanksgiving first with Martin Frobisher’s feast in 1578, the United States can lay claim to the first widely recognized Thanksgiving celebration with the Pilgrims in 1621. Both countries have rich histories and cultural traditions surrounding this festive occasion, making it a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness.
