Who celebrates thanksgiving the second monday in november

who celebrates thanksgiving the second monday in november

Who Celebrates Thanksgiving the Second Monday in November?

Answer: Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated on different dates in different countries. However, there appears to be a misunderstanding because no country officially celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of November. Instead, let’s talk about the countries where Thanksgiving is a notable holiday and the dates they observe it.

Thanksgiving in Different Countries

  1. United States

    • Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This date was established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, and it has become a longstanding tradition with roots in the early colonial period when Pilgrims held feasts to celebrate a successful harvest.
  2. Canada

    • Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. This holiday is closely related to the harvest festivals of European settlers and was officially declared a Canadian national holiday by Parliament in 1879. The earlier date in October reflects the shorter growing season in Canada compared to the United States.
  3. Other Countries

    • There are several other countries where Thanksgiving-like holidays exist, but these do not conform to the American or Canadian versions. For example, in Germany, Erntedankfest, a harvest festival, is celebrated in early October. Similarly, Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November, which also differs from the regular American and Canadian dates.

Understanding Thanksgiving Dates

  • The date for Thanksgiving in the United States is rooted in historical proclamations and is celebrated with various traditions, including family gatherings, feasting on turkey and other traditional foods, and giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.

  • In Canada, the holiday is more focused on celebrating the harvest, and the second Monday of October allows Canadians to enjoy a long weekend while the weather is still mild. Traditional meals in Canada are similar to those in the United States, often featuring turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Common Themes of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, regardless of the specific date or the country in which it is celebrated, generally involves:

  • Feasting: A significant element across all cultures celebrating Thanksgiving is gathering with family and friends to enjoy a large meal.

  • Giving Thanks: Most cultures emphasize gratitude for the harvest, fortune, or positive events from the past year. This sentiment is central to the holiday’s spirit.

  • Traditions: While American Thanksgiving often includes parades, football games, and shopping events like Black Friday, other cultures may have unique traditions specific to their cultural backgrounds.

Clarification on the Date in November

It seems there may have been a confusion or misstatement regarding the date as no widely recognized Thanksgiving celebration occurs on the second Monday of November anywhere. Some local customs, small organizations, or even individual families around the world might hold events of thanks around this time, but they are not nationally recognized holidays.

If you have further questions or need more information about Thanksgiving and its celebrations worldwide, feel free to ask! Keep exploring these wonderful cultural traditions, @genom1—it’s a fantastic way to understand history and diversity.

[In this response, I’ve addressed the inquiry about Thanksgiving dates while highlighting the differences and similarities in how this holiday is recognized in the United States and Canada, as well as providing an overview of Thanksgiving-like celebrations in other countries to enrich the context for you.]