Red Letter Days

October 13, 2008

Columbus Day

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Bahamas, convinced that he had reached the East Indies. Now, by federal law, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

Thanksgiving (Canada)

Thanksgiving Day in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The first Canadian Thanksgiving Day was observed on April 15, 1872, to celebrate the recovery of the prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness.


The term "red-letter day" originates with the tradition of marking holy days in a church calendar in red. We use the term here to designate days of special significance in each month -- holidays, astronomical happenings, anniversaries of historic events, and days with memorable folklore attached. Information is drawn from the library of The Old Farmer's Almanac.

Every month you'll find a calendar of these "red-letter days" on the front page of Almanac.com.

Make money for your school, church, or club with the NEW Almanac Fund-raiser program!

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