31 Days: Thanks

The original word for the day was "unknown", and yesterday's was supposed to be "Post-it".... but that didn't resonate with me at all, and today is Thanksgiving Day here in Canada, so I thought I'd jump ahead a day and use the word Thanks.

Yes, I know.. we celebrate it earlier than our neighbours to the south.   We also celebrate it for different reasons.

Did you know that Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated by the arctic explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578?   He was giving thanks for safe arrival for himself and his crew mates.   Though it wasn't until November 1879 that it officially became a holiday, being a conglomeration of four traditions: :

• harvest celebrations in European peasant societies,
• formal observances such as Frobisher's thanksgiving of safe arrival  AND
• the influence of the Pilgrims’ harvest celebration in Massachusetts
• and the indigenous peoples of Canada have long celebrated thanksgiving with feast.

It has gone through changes as to when it is celebrated going from November 6, to the third Monday in October until parliament decided it should be on the Second Monday of October.  No more confusion, just a national day to celebrate and offer thanksgiving.
(source)    It's rather interesting to think about how our tradition has melded together, kinda like how we work as a nation eh?  :)

I just want to take a moment to wish you all a great Thanksgiving.   Have fun rejoicing with your families over a turkey (or a pot of soup).  The food matters not, just enjoy your day and celebrate it with family and friends, thanking God for all the bounties he has blessed you with. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!