why does canada celebrate thanksgiving

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving as a day to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is a holiday rooted in the tradition of celebrating the fall harvest and expressing gratitude for the food it provides before the onset of winter, which comes earlier in Canada than in the United States. Canadian Thanksgiving has been officially observed annually since 1879, but its date varied until 1957, when it was fixed as the second Monday in October to align with the end of the harvest season and favorable weather for outdoor activities. The holiday also historically included themes centered around celebrating the monarchy. Unlike the United States, which celebrates Thanksgiving in late November, Canada’s earlier Thanksgiving reflects its northern climate and agricultural cycle.