Canadian Thanksgiving is an annual holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Although we are all thankful for different things, it is generally accepted that on Thanksgiving, we give thanks for a bountiful harvest and for the blessings we have enjoyed for the past year. It is thought that the first European celebration dates back to 1578, when the English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in present-day Nunavut to give thanks for a safe journey.
Traditions of giving thanks long predated European colonization as First Nations across North America have held harvest practices and seasonal ceremonies of gratitude for thousands of years. Gratitude with many is a daily practice embedded in spiritual beliefs, while seasonal ceremonies will celebrate the abundance of seasonal foods with feasting, song, dance and gifting to honour nature’s cycles. Giving thanks can be individual or may involve entire communities.
In 1879, Parliament declared the first official annual Thanksgiving on Nov. 6. In 1957, parliament fixed the date for Thanksgiving to be the second Monday in October.
For me and my family and friends, Thanksgiving is a time we gather together to eat some food, enjoy some time together and often do some seasonal gardening chores. More often than not, the fish come out of the pond on Thanksgiving along with a variety of other chores that need to be done before the deep freeze begins.
A little bit ago, I asked our readers to take a moment to send me a picture or share some words on what you might be thankful for. Thank you to all of you who took the time to get in touch. It is much appreciated.
Giving thanks for a bountiful harvest was a common theme. I received many images of giant pumpkins, tomatoes, corn and even some of some very pretty floral arrangements. Also, very common was being thankful for good health and the freedom to be able to live life as we choose. There was a smattering of non-garden-related things, which also included being thankful for being Canadian.
I think that my favourite responses involved children and pets. It was very heartwarming to see the number of families that have their children/grandchildren gardening right alongside them. It brought back so many memories of my girls in the garden, harvesting flowers, fruits and vegetables. I would always set up the play area right beside or in a comfortable place in the garden. So many hours went by in this fashion.
Others shared their favourite Thanksgiving foods and traditions that are truly unique. I even received some recipes that were so graciously shared. Lots of pictures of leaves and other fun fall things. Children with rosy cheeks and giant smiles were the common thread.
It is my hope that all of you have a Thanksgiving that is filled with love, laughter and wonderful food. May your gardens flourish and your larder never be bare. The garden gives us food, beauty and purpose and we are lucky to be able to have the ability to grow ornamental plants and food to make our lives full.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com, on Facebook @orchidhort and on Instagram at #orchidhort.
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