Yes, I know it's not November yet and I'm fully aware I'm living in England, but today is Thanksgiving for my friends and family back home in Canada. And I am very ashamed to admit that when The Man asked me why Canadians have a different date than Americans the occasion, I had no recollection of why that might be.
Now that I've refreshed my primary school history lessons, I am proud to say that the tradition started in my home province of Nova Scotia. The French settlers, led by Samuel de Champlain, celebrated surviving the ocean crossing. They held a feast to mark the occasion, which they shared with the Natives. So all in all, a similar story to the American one with a slight Canadian twist.
The holiday comes just as the leaves are turning their amazing colours of flaming red and orange, unlike in England where they turn brown and fall off in disgrace. And the weather usually cooperates, with the perfect combination of warm sun and crisp air. As much as I love London, nothing can compete with Fall in Nova Scotia.
1 comment:
Thanksgiving in the US became an official holiday at the end of November sometime during the early 20th century to spur retail sales for the holiday season... Capitalism at its finest. :)
Post a Comment