KUPASONLINE.COM — Canada as one of the largest countries in the world has several unique traditions. Due to its European roots and proximity to the United States, Canadian traditions are a unique amalgamation of several cultures. The French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec also has traditions that the rest of Canada doesn’t follow. The following are some unique traditions in this country.
1.Halloween
Even though people all over the world celebrate Halloween, it’s a big thing in Canada. Between 2004 and 2014, commercial revenue from this holiday doubled. The Retail Council of Canada estimates that by 2014, Halloween became a multi-billion dollar industry.
In Vancouver, the only time residents can legally set off fireworks in their backyard is on Halloween. Purchase fireworks with a permit and only persons over 19 may purchase and set off fireworks. This tradition makes the town especially loud on Halloween night.
2. New Year’s Levee
This tradition, which refers to the calendar where Justin Bieber was born, is now the only country participating in the New Year’s Levee. The tradition started in Canada in the 1600s. It is an event held by the respective provincial lieutenant governors and governor generals to mark the start of the new year and to allow citizens of the country to pay their respects.
In Edmonton, for example, residents can visit Government House, enjoy a meal and send postcards to Canadian soldiers serving overseas. It is also a tradition in Canadian Forces units and headquarters, where officers receive and welcome guests to welcome in the new year.
3. Calgary Stampede
“The Greatest Outside Show on Earth” – that’s the Calgary Stampede, an annual show extravaganza that occurs every July in Calgary, Alberta. Stampede’s main goal is to “preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage and spirit of western society.” They celebrate through concerts, rodeo events (with big prize money), carnival rides, fairs, parades and farming competitions. The Stampede is one of Canada’s biggest traditions, as more than one million people from around the world visit the event each year.
4. New shoes on budget day
This tradition is an unusual one that involves Canada’s Minister of Finance and now provincial finance ministers, wearing new shoes to deliver a new budget. Its roots can be traced back to 1960 when Donald M. Fleming embraced the practice after the media portrayed it as tradition. Wow, so every year you can replace new shoe models.
But in 1966 when Mitchell Sharp wore new shoes on budget day, he learned that there was no tradition behind them at all. Even so, this custom continues to this day. In 2016 and 2017, Treasury Secretary Bill Morneau wore new black lace-up shoes for both births, each made by a different Canadian designer.
5. Thanksgiving
Canada has its own Thanksgiving traditions, which differ slightly from America. Turkey and pumpkin are still a staple of the Thanksgiving meal in Canada. However, this date is always the second Monday in October, and it is an official holiday throughout the country, except for the Atlantic provinces.
Thanksgiving Day was celebrated on different days and for different reasons until January 31, 1957, when the Parliament of Canada said: “A day of General Thanksgiving to God Almighty for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed … to be observed on the second Monday in October . ”
6. French tradition
Quebec has some unique traditions. For example, in spoken French, Quebecers usually use the formal pronoun “vous” when talking to someone new. They don’t switch to the more relaxed “tu” unless invited.
It is also common for people to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek (left and right). While shaking hands is a tradition across Canada. Finally, when attending dinner parties, it is common to buy high-quality wine and send flowers in advance.(*)
