Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: October 10th, 2022. Did you know there is a Holiday called Canadian Thanksgiving Day- the second Monday in October. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t mind celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving if I could have some Stuffing ie Dressing. How about you?
Canadian Thanksgiving Day – the second Monday in October
Thanksgiving Day in Canada is one of the biggest Canadian holidays. Canadian Thanksgiving Day has some similarities to Thanksgiving in the U.S. But, Canadian Thanksgiving Day is also different in many ways. The Canadian Thanksgiving Day is based around a bountiful harvest. Canadian Thanksgiving Day occurs near the end of the harvest Season in mid-October. There is no tie-in between the Pilgrims and Indians.
On Thanksgiving, Canadians give thanks for the successful harvest and have a huge feast. Turkeys are a very popular choice for the meal. Ham and other meats are also common choices. Did you know the feast is almost certain to have a dish or two that includes Canadian Bacon. Because it is tied to the Fall harvest, Fall Fruits and Vegetables are included with the meal and on dessert trays. Pumpkin and Apple Pies are traditional favorites. While Maple Syrup is harvested in late Winter, there is certainly something at the dessert table made with Maple Syrup. The holiday itself is a time for reflection. It also often includes games and activities with family and friends. Because Canadian Thanksgiving Day is held in October after dinner family walks or hikes to enjoy the Fall foliage are popular.
After the feast and festivities, people often settle down in front of the television to watch a CFL football game.
Canada’s Black Friday
There are many Canadian holidays that are similar to those in the United States. Like The United States, the Friday after Thanksgiving in Canada is Black Friday. This is the day that Christmas shopping begins in earnest. That means Canadians have several extra weeks to find perfect Christmas gifts for family and friends, and at the very best sale prices.
History and Origin of Canadian Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving in Canada was first celebrated nationally in 1879. Thanksgiving in Canada was originally combined with Armistice Day. In 1957, the Governor General of Canada issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving Day the second Monday in October.
Columbus Day – the second Monday of the month
Americans have been celebrating Columbus Day since 1792. That year, New York City held the first Columbus Day celebration commemorating the 500th anniversary of Columbus landing in 1492. For decades and decades, American history books and school teaching told us Christopher Columbus discovered America.
What those books and teachings did not give credit, to is the fact that Native Americans were already here. Native Americans truly discovered America. Books also gave little mention, to the fact that Nordic explorers beginning with Leif Erikson had traveled down the Eastern Coast of Canada hundreds of years before Columbus arrived.
Today, we celebrate Columbus Day for what it accurately is. Columbus did discover the existence of the New World for Europeans who until then, believed the world was flat and ended somewhere in the Atlantic. Not believing the world was flat, Colombus real goal was to find a way to the Orient. And, the focus of this holiday is now more on the discovery of the “New World”, and less on Columbus himself.
In recent years, Columbus has fallen out of favor with many people for several reasons. First, in 1492, Columbus did not land on the mainland of the American continent. Second, Leif Erikson and Native Americans preceded him. Also, Columbus and many other Europe discoverers were seen as cruel conquerors and looters. This has given rise to Indigenous People Day.
Anti-Columbus sentiment has grown in both North and South America. On Columbus Day, mock trials of Columbus are held in Peru.
Italian Americans are one exception to the rule and they still hold Italian Christopher Columbus in high esteem.
Discoverer’s Day
This holiday is increasingly being called Discoverer’s Day which allows us to celebrate all those who played a role in finding and settling America. It includes:
- Native Americans were the first true discoverers of the Americas.
- Leif Erikson and Nordic adventurers who traveled down the East Coast from Greenland.
- Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas for Europeans.
The original roots of Discovers Day came from Hawaii. The Hawaii State Legislature proclaimed Discoverer’s Day on this second Monday of October which recognizes the Polynesian discovers of the Hawaiian Islands.
About Christopher Columbus
- Christopher Columbus Discovered America in 1492 and he originally set sail on August 3rd, 1492, but had trouble with the ships, stopping at the Canary Islands for a month. The ships left the Canary Islands on September 3rd, 1492.
- Christopher Columbus traveled with three ships: the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria
- While Columbus was an Italian, Christopher Columbus could not procure funding in Italy, so he turned to the King of Spain. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella provided the funding.
- Christopher Columbus did not land on the U.S. Mainland. Christopher Columbus landed on an Island in the Caribbean. While many believe Christopher Columbus landed in San Salvador, there is still debate on which Island Christopher Columbus originally landed on.
Indigenous People Day– observed on the second Monday in October
On the second Monday in October, we celebrate Indigenous People Day which is often referred to as Native American Day. Indigenous People Day is related to another Native American Day, celebrated on the fourth Friday in September. To further complicate matters, what is the definition of indigenous people and Native Americans? Are they the same? Who exactly are we celebrating and honoring, and why? Are you among the many people who are confused!?
Definition of Indigenous versus Native People
Let’s understand the definitions first, so we clearly understand who we are referring to, and to whom we are celebrating and honoring. Indigenous people are those who first populated an area before anyone else. Natives are defined as people who have lived in an area since birth. Yes, you are native to where you were born.
It became confusing when the term “American Indian”, considered to be offensive, was changed to “Native American”. However, most, if not all of us, are comfortable using the term “Native American”, to refer to people who are indigenous to the United States.
Here Is A better understanding of some conflicting holidays
Native American Day – Originated in the state of California, this day has been around since 1939. It wasn’t until 1977, that Indigenous People Day began to take root. Often also called “Native American Day”, it is more widespread, with international meaning than the original Native American Day. More on Native American Day
Columbus Day – This holiday originated in 1972, to honor and celebrate Christopher Columbus, who was the first person to discover America. Over the past few decades, many have comerealized Columbus wasn’t the first person, not even the first European to land in, and “discover” America. Many say Columbus did not even discover America, as in 1492 he did not land on the mainland of the American Continent. It also became widely recognized that Europeans often came as conquerors, and worse. More on Columbus Day
Leif Erikson Day – Around 1002 A.D. Leif Erikson from Greenland, a European Country, sailed down the Eastern Coast of North America as far as New Foundland, and Leif Erikson crew spent the Winter there. While he was the first European to come to America, he was not the first. Indigenous people Native Americans. were already there. More on Leif Erikson Day
All of this leads us to today: Indigenous People Day
Efforts to recognize, celebrate and protect indigenous people began in 1977. This occurred at a United Nations Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations. It was worldwide in scope. In the U.S., the effort has steadily grown, partially to downplay or even eliminate Columbus Day. Now, dozens of Cities and States in the U.S, recognize Indigenous People Day. Some, not all, have used this holiday in place of Columbus Day.
This holiday is used to honor and celebrate indigenous people, those very first settlers of a region. Who were the original inhabitants of your City or Town? Do you know what tribe they belonged to? Are they still in your area? Today is a great day to learn more about them. Your local library or town historian are great sources for this information.
Schools, libraries, historical societies, and local government should use this holiday to provide educational programs, lectures, and exhibits on the indigenous people who first lived and worked the land in your area.
International Newspaper Carrier Day– always observed on September 4– International Newspaper Carrier Day is observed on October 10th
Both Newspaper Carrier Day and International Newspaper Carrier Day honor everyone who is now, or once was, a newspaper carrier. The list includes thousands, if not millions, of people. Years ago, this job was primarily populated by kids, from pre-teen through approximately sixteen. At that age, many, but not all, kids moved from newspaper delivery to restaurants, grocery stores, and retail type of jobs. Newspaper circulation has been dwindling for a few decades. Which will likely continue to do so. Online sources of news and information are replacing newspapers
For the record: In 1950, there were 1,772 daily newspapers in the United States. Today, there are only 1,279. Unfortunately the number is expected to continue to drop.
About Newspaper Carrier Day:
Newspaper Carrier Day commemorates the hiring of the very first newspaper carrier. Newspaper carriers date back to the early 1800s. On September 10th, 1833, 10-year-old Barney Flaherty became the first newspaper carrier. Benjamin Day, the publisher of The New York Sun, hired Barney Flaherty to sell papers for his Penny Press. The only job requirement was that he had to show that he could throw a newspaper into the bushes.
Now, few kids deliver newspapers anymore except in small towns. But, the “Carrier Day” tradition lives. This job is now largely held by adults, many of them delivering the paper from their cars.
About International Newspaper Carrier Day:
International Newspaper Carrier Day recognizes the importance of newspaper carriers in getting the newspaper each day into the hands of millions of readers. This holiday honors carriers all over the world, as they deliver the paper diligently in all kinds of weather conditions.
Even President Ronald Reagan got in on the act. On October 6th, 1982, when President Ronald Reagan wrote a brief message supporting this International Newspaper Carrier Day.
How to Celebrate Newspaper Carrier Day
If you still get the newspaper, give your newspaper person a thank you card.
Also, your carrier will appreciate a monetary gift inside the thank you card.
If you do not receive the newspaper, go online and read a little about newspaper carrier and their history.
History and Origin of Newspaper Carrier Day
We found lots of references and information on Newspaper Carrier Day however, we do not know who created Newspaper Carrier Day.
And, we do not know who established International Newspaper Carrier Day either. The Newspaper Association of America appears to take some ownership of this holiday and publishes the dates for this event. Newspaper Association of America also sponsor an International Newspaper Carrier Week.
Also, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation making October 26th, 1982 Newspaper Carrier Appreciation Day.
Also, see Newspaper Association of America
National Angel Food Cake Day– is always observed on October 10th
October 10th is National Angel Food Cake Day, a great day to bake a Cake with your little angels. Watch the smiles on their faces, as you hand them the mixing spoon to lick off the batter! Angel Food Cake is a Sponge Cake. Angel Food Cake can be simple, or fancy. We suggest a Jell-O Angel Food Cake, for a real treat.
It’s really easy to enjoy this food holiday just make or purchase a Angel Food Cake. Making an Angel Food Cake is the best way to celebrate this holiday. A homemade Cake beats a store-bought Cake. Then, enjoy the Cake with family;
Angel Food Cake contains no fat and the Angel Food Cake has no Butter, Cream, or Egg Yolks.
How to Celebrate National Angel Food Cake Day
It’s easy and fun to celebrate food holidays.
- For Angel Food Cake Day, have a piece or two of the Cake.
- To enjoy this day to the fullest, make a Angel Food Cake yourself from scratch.
- Be an angel and serve Angel Food Cake to your family.
- Make the Angel Food Cake and bring it to an elderly person, or someone who is ill.
History and Origin of National Angel Food Cake Day
Our research did not find the creator or the origin of Angel Food Cake Day but we traced the origin of Angel Food Cake Day back to its origin to 2012.
We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a “National” Holiday. Our research found no congressional records or presidential proclamations declaring this a national day..
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
