Columbus Day closings for schools and banks are similar to Canadian Thanksgiving Day, as neighboring countries celebrate holidays on the same day - the second Monday in October.
Canadian Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 2009
The Canadian Thanksgiving holiday is officially observed on the second Monday of October. Depending on employers, Canadians get a three-day weekend (S-S-M) for their October Thanksgiving, while most of the United States celebrates with a longer four-day holiday weekend in November (T-F-S-S). It was not until the 1950's that the current date was proclaimed as being the official date for Canadian Thanksgiving.
Canadian Thanksgiving Day is a statutory holiday (also known as general or public holiday), except for the eastern maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, where employers are not obligated to give their employees a day off. Thanksgiving Day is a designated retail closing day in Nova Scotia however, with many retail businesses being prohibited from opening on the holiday.
Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving much like the US celebrates theirs, with the Canadian Football League playing their big game on the Monday holiday. Families tend to get together for dinner sharing a big feast. The horn of plenty, or the cornucopia, symbolizes the harvest and giving of thanks for a successful bounty of crops.
Columbus Day, October 12, 2009
While Canada is celebrating their Thanksgiving, the US will be celebrating Columbus Day. The federal holiday is officially celebrated on the second Monday in October as well. Although most government and official buildings are closed, Columbus Day is also a time for family get-togethers, football games, pumpkin picking, leaf raking and huge parades and events.
"On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, opening a sea route to vast uncharted territories that awaited the spread of Western civilization. Centuries later, the ensuing cultural migration culminated in the birth and explosive growth of the greatest nation in history: the United States of America."* While the debate goes on regarding whether or not Columbus deserves this honor is beside the point. For most Americans, it's an excuse for another paid holiday.
For more information on what's open and what's closed, see: Columbus Day 2009 US Federal Buildings and Schools Close
Sources: wikipedia; *frontpagemag.com
Photo credit: enbo62, sxc
Written by Donna Diegel
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