Difference between American Thanksgiving and Canadian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States and Canada, but even though both countries share a name and central themes of gratitude, celebration, and harvest, the holiday is quite different in meaning and observance. Each country has developed its own traditions and meanings and has drawn on different historical roots that express its cultural identity.

While much of America's Thanksgiving is associated with the Pilgrims, large parades, football, and the beginning of the holiday season, Canadian Thanksgiving is associated with early exploration, harvest celebrations, and observances that are a bit more subdued and nature-based. Knowing the difference between American and Canadian Thanksgiving helps us to understand how even neighboring countries can share a celebration and tradition but continue to have different meanings, customs, and observances, shaped by climate, history, and cultural evolution.

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Major Differences between American Thanksgiving and Canadian Thanksgiving

Holiday Dates

United States

Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The date was set in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to lengthen the shopping period before Christmas.

Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated a little earlier in the year on the second Monday of October. The earlier date fits nicely with the cooler Canadian climate and the earlier harvest.

Historical Origins

Origins of American Thanksgiving

The origins of the U.S. holiday began with the 1621 feast with the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, Massachusetts. In time, the event was attached to early colonial history, harvest traditions, and coming together as a group. 

Origins of Canadian Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving is linked to explorer Martin Frobisher's 1578 expedition. The explorer held a ceremony in what is now called Newfoundland as a way to give thanks for surviving the risky voyages. It later became a more general celebration of harvest and thanks for blessings.

Importance of the Holiday

United States

Thanksgiving in the United States is one of the largest celebrations of the year, which centers around family, parades, and national traditions such as football games or the presidential turkey pardon. It also unofficially marks the start of the holiday season.

Canada 

Canadian Thanksgiving is more centered around harvest and is generally less commercialized than the United States. While it is still a significant holiday, it is regarded as a quieter and seemingly less substantial holiday than its counterpart in the United States.

Public Holiday Status

United States

Thanksgiving is a prominent national holiday and has a long weekend associated with Black Friday.

Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces, but not in all (for example, it is not statutory in NB, NS, or PEI).

Conclusion

While the Thanksgiving holidays of Americans and Canadians share themes of gratitude, family, and harvest, the two holidays differ in their origins, timing, significance, and customs. Canada's Thanksgiving celebrations can be traced to the early exploration of Canada as well as a harvest celebration, while the American holiday implies colonial history and cultural events with national significance.