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Giving thanks to a deity or Creator for bounties bestowed has been practiced by humans for millenia and has a long and colourful history. In the past it was often associated with the offering of gifts and sacrifices, depending on cultures and traditions.

Canadiana named one of 101 Best Genealogy Websites for 2011

Summer is a time for celebration in most countries and Canada is no exception. One way of making these celebrations special is through the use of fireworks. These pyrotechnical wonders have a universal attraction for young and old. In Canada, our most spectacular fireworks displays traditionally happen on Canada's birthday, July 1. However, there have been many other occasions when they have been used to highlight special events and festive days.

Each year on June 24th, Quebec and French speaking communities across North America celebrate St. Jean Baptiste Day with local festivities, traditional parades and even mega variety shows including the largest one which is held on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City.

St. Jean-Baptiste Day parade in a small Quebec town around the turn of the 20th century.

The history of gardening in Canada is intimately connected with the Canadian immigrant experience. Beginning with learning how to grow corn, beans and squash from the native Algonquins and Hurons, the early settlers quickly undertook to grow their essential provisions in the Canadian climate and geography. Without taking this key first step their initial few years of life in Canada would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible. As a result, everyone had to become proficient at productive gardening, using whatever means readily at hand.

The origin of April Fool's Day has been a mystery for centuries. It was not until the eighteenth century that significant numbers of references began to appear, but by then the custom was already well established. It is mentioned as early as the fifteenth century, but even William Shakespeare, who was so fond of using "fools" in his plays, does not refer to April Fool's Day.

In any case, today it enjoys status as a special day for pranksters and "fools" all over the western world.

March is Nutrition Month across Canada! This means demonstrating the benefits of cooking together: strengthening family ties, passing on valued traditions, teaching new skills, and improving the family diet.

In this context, it can be very interesting to take a close look at what was done in the past to provide healthy and wholesome foods to Canadians, particularly in view of our strong agricultural past.

February is Black History Month, a time to learn, honour, and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout history. Since the first documented black person arrived in Canada in the early 1600, black Canadians have been making unique and valuable contributions to the development of our nation. Canadiana.org invites you to browse our rich and distinctive collections to discover rare images, text, and other material related to the history of black Canadians.

Here is a small sample of resources available through our collections: