A Canadian Thanksgiving

It's a time that attacks all of our senses and emotions. The first holiday after a traumatic loss is always painful. Anyone who tries to celebrate after such an event knows the hurt and longing that these types of festivities engender. Millions of Canadians struggled with a suppressed grief and anxiety this past Thanksgiving weekend. The images of destruction and despair from Sept. 11th, were too fresh and wounds too tender to feel as thankful as we normally do at this time of year. But, comments like; "it's the right time to come out and renew our family traditions. It lifts people's spirits." or "Life has to go on. if we don't, then the terrorists have won." So in most cases, our familiar rituals of celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday began and our senses kicked into high gear!

Families gathered, bountiful and delicious turkey dinners with pumpkin pie were prepared, served and eaten, games were played amid the laughter and story telling, others took quiet walks to take in the panorama of gold, orange, red, yellow and green leaves, as they rustled in the wind and then fell silently to the ground. God has his paintbrush out and makes a different painting every year. Giving thanks, even at a time like this was essential. The bountiful harvest, warm homes, our many possessions, health, family and friends certainly require us to utter a sincere appreciation for all that we have and in turn, share with those less fortunate.

There are three traditions behind the Canadian Thanksgiving. The first came from the European farmers, who held celebrations at harvest time to give thanks for their good fortune and the abundance of food collected. They filled a goat's horn with fruit, vegetables and grain meaning harmony, peace and plenty. This symbol was a cornucopia or horn of plenty. The second started in the year 1578, when an English navigator, Martin Frobisher, held a ceremony on the shores of Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving the arduous Journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The third came in the year 1621, when the Pilgrims, English colonist, celebrated their harvest in the New World at the present site of Plymouth Mass., U.S.A.

By the 1750's, this joyous celebration was brought to Nova Scotia by American settlers (Loyalists) from the south. At about the same time, French settlers arriving in Canada with Samuel de Champlain, held huge feasts of thanks and formed "The Order Of Good cheer", gladly sharing their food with new settlers and their Indian neighbors. After the Seven Year's war ended in 1763, the citizens of Halifax held a special day of Thanksgiving. This Autumn family harvest ceremony was recognized by the church and continued to spread to other parts of Canada. In 1879, the Canadian Parliament declared November 6th a day of Thanksgiving and a National Holiday. However, after World War II, Remembrance Day was proclaimed for November 11th. So finally, on January 31st, 1957, Parliament proclaimed ...a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed ... to be observed annually, on the second Monday in October.

This Thanksgiving wasn't easy. But it was a time for some healing. We raked some eaves, closed cottages, planted spring bulbs, heard the geese honk and watched as they flew south, watched some baseball, football and hockey, went to the fall fair, got out warmer jackets and filled a bag for the food bank. Plus, prayed and said the things that the victims of the Sept. 11th tragedy didn't get a chance to say.

Ryan Tripp