Contributed by Jennifer Peachey

Thanksgiving celebrations were around long before the official holidays began. People all over the world held celebrations to give thanks to their gods for their bountiful harvests. The first recorded harvest celebration in Canada occurred 40 years before the pilgrims even landed in Massachusetts. An explorer from England named Martin Frobisher, trying to find the Northwest passage, landed at the east coast of Canada, established a settlement and started the thanksgiving feast.

It wasn’t until 1879 that the Canadian Parliament set aside an official day for Thanksgiving celebrations. In 1957 the date was changed from November 6th to the second Monday in October. The date reflected the abundant harvests at that time of year. It is then that the corn, autumn squash, potatoes, many root vegetables, and apples are being harvested. In early days these fruits and vegetables were essential to ensure food for the long winters ahead.

Today, far removed from relying on our own gardens for food, we can still be thankful for the wonderful harvests we have access to. Fresh squash, potatoes, parsnips, beets and yams will probably adorn your table this weekend. Friends or family might join you. And thoughts or prayers might go out for those who are less fortunate. This weekend, like the first Thanksgiving, is a perfect time to be thankful for all we have. Happy Thanksgiving and Bon Appetit!

Ingredients

n/a

Instructions

n/a

Read more recipes