Grandparents' Day

Origins and establishment in Canada

National Grandparents' Day in Canada was formally established in 1995 through a motion introduced in the House of Commons by Member of Parliament Sarkis Assadourian. Motion number 273 proposed that the government consider designating the second Sunday in September each year as Grandparents' Day. The motion explicitly cited the goal of acknowledging the importance of grandparents to the family structure and their role in nurturing, upbringing, and educating children. This parliamentary action provided an official, though not legislatively binding, recognition of the day across the country. The establishment followed a growing international trend of setting aside a day to honour grandparents, which began earlier in places like Poland and the United States. The Canadian iteration aligns closely with the family-focused values often highlighted in national discourse, emphasizing respect for elders and intergenerational solidarity.

Date and observance

Canadian Grandparents' Day is consistently held on the second Sunday of September each year. This places the celebration in the early autumn, a time often associated with family gatherings as summer ends and the school year begins. The date is distinct from the observance in the United States, which occurs on the first Sunday after Labour Day, though the two dates can sometimes coincide. In 2026, for instance, Grandparents' Day in Canada falls on September 13. As a commemorative day rather than a public holiday, businesses and government offices remain open. Observance is primarily familial and community-based, with schools, churches, and community centres often organizing special events, crafts, or performances involving children and their grandparents to mark the occasion.

Purpose and significance

The core purpose of Grandparents' Day is to recognize and celebrate the unique and invaluable contributions grandparents make within families and society. It is a day to honour their love, lifelong experience, and the guidance they provide. The occasion encourages younger generations to spend quality time with their grandparents, strengthening familial bonds and fostering a greater appreciation for elders. This intergenerational connection is seen as beneficial for all parties, offering grandparents a sense of purpose and inclusion while providing children with historical perspective, emotional support, and a deeper sense of identity. The day also serves as a broader reminder of the dignity and worth of older adults in the community, promoting respect and combatting social isolation among the elderly.

Common celebrations and activities

Canadian families celebrate Grandparents' Day in a variety of personal and heartfelt ways. Common activities include hosting a special family meal, gathering for a picnic, or enjoying an outing together. Many schools invite grandparents to visit classrooms for shows, shared reading, or art projects where children create cards and gifts. Community events such as intergenerational bingo games, storytelling sessions, or simple social gatherings at retirement residences are also popular. The essence of the celebration lies in meaningful interaction, whether through sharing family stories, looking at photo albums, or engaging in a grandparent's favourite hobby. These activities are designed to create lasting memories and affirm the special relationship between the generations.

Symbols and traditions

The most widely recognized symbol associated with Grandparents' Day is the forget-me-not flower. This small, delicate bloom, which typically flowers in spring, symbolizes love, respect, and a promise to remember and cherish grandparents. Gifting potted forget-me-nots, bouquets, or cards featuring the flower is a common tradition. Beyond this, there are no rigid national traditions, allowing families to create their own customs. Some may establish an annual family photo, plant a tree together, or cook a grandparent's signature recipe. The giving of handmade gifts from grandchildren, such as drawings or crafts, is another cherished tradition that personalizes the day and highlights the creative bond between young and old.

International context and related observances

Grandparents' Day is observed in numerous countries worldwide, though dates and customs vary. In the United States, it was established in 1978 and is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labour Day, with Marian McQuade recognized as a key founder. Many European nations, such as Estonia and the United Kingdom, also celebrate on various Sundays in September or October. A significant related observance is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, established by Pope Francis in 2021 for the global Catholic Church. This day is held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, who are considered the grandparents of Jesus. In 2026, this world day falls on July 26 with the theme 'I will never forget you'. While distinct from the Canadian secular holiday, this parallel observance underscores a universal recognition of the importance of honouring older generations.

The role of organizations and advocacy

While Grandparents' Day in Canada originated from a parliamentary motion, its promotion and celebration are largely driven by community organizations, schools, and advocacy groups. Intergenerational organizations and seniors' groups often provide resources and ideas for celebrating the day. In the broader advocacy landscape, issues such as grandparents' rights, particularly regarding visitation in cases of family separation, are championed by various foundations. Internationally, figures like Philip Michael Chircop in Malta have been recognized for their work promoting grandparents' rights, which highlights a wider movement connecting celebration with substantive support for the roles grandparents play. These efforts complement the celebratory nature of the day by addressing the practical realities and challenges faced by many grandparents.

Historical precedents and global origins

The concept of a day dedicated to grandparents has diverse and deep-rooted origins across the globe. The first recorded celebration occurred in Poland in 1965, following the creation of Grandma's Day by a magazine called Kobieta i Życie in 1964. Poland celebrates Grandma's Day on January 21 and Grandpa's Day on January 22. In the United States, the movement was significantly advanced by Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife who advocated for a national day to educate youth about seniors' contributions and encourage them to adopt a grandparent. Her efforts, supported by Senators Jennings Randolph and Robert Byrd, led to President Jimmy Carter proclaiming the first National Grandparents' Day in 1978. Other early adopters include Singapore in 1979 and the Philippines in 1987. These varied origins demonstrate a widespread, grassroots desire to formally honour the elder generation, which Canada joined in 1995.

Comparative global dates and customs

A survey of international Grandparents' Day observances reveals a fascinating array of dates often tied to cultural or religious significance. Many countries, including Canada, Estonia, Hong Kong, and Malta, opt for a Sunday in September or October. Several nations align their day with the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne on July 26, including Portugal, Brazil, and Spain. Italy celebrates on October 2, which is Guardian Angels' Day in the Catholic Church. Japan's Respect for the Aged Day, a national holiday since 1966, is observed on the third Monday of September. France has a Grandmothers' Day on the first Sunday in March, originally a commercial creation by a coffee brand. These differing dates reflect local traditions but share the common goal of fostering respect and connection between generations, illustrating the universal nature of the grandparent-grandchild bond.

Themes and messages in contemporary observance

In recent years, the messaging around Grandparents' Day has evolved to emphasize active connection and intergenerational solidarity. Campaigns like the Do Something Grand initiative, spearheaded by Generations United, encourage all ages to engage in meaningful activities together throughout September. Common themes highlighted in resources and promotional materials include the transmission of family stories and wisdom, the combating of loneliness among seniors, and the mutual benefits of cross-generational relationships. The official flower, the forget-me-not, serves as a potent symbol for these themes, representing a pledge to remember and value elders. For the Catholic World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, annual themes are chosen, such as the 2026 theme 'I will never forget you' from the Book of Isaiah. These thematic focuses help guide celebrations beyond simple gift-giving towards deeper relational engagement and societal recognition.

Impact and social considerations

The observance of Grandparents' Day has tangible social impacts, particularly in promoting the wellbeing of older adults and strengthening family units. Studies and advocacy work suggest that regular intergenerational contact can reduce social isolation and improve mental health for seniors while providing children with stable emotional support and a sense of continuity. The day also brings attention to the practical roles many grandparents play, such as providing childcare, financial support, and cultural transmission. In some jurisdictions, the celebration is linked to advocacy for grandparents' legal rights, especially regarding access to grandchildren after family breakdowns. While the day itself is one of celebration, it underscores ongoing societal needs, such as inclusive community planning, support for grandparent caregivers, and policies that value the contributions of an aging population. This broader context gives the holiday a relevance that extends beyond a single Sunday in September.

Questions about Grandparents' Day

When is Grandparents' Day in Canada?

In Canada, National Grandparents' Day is observed annually on the second Sunday of September. This date was established by a motion in the House of Commons in 1995. For example, in the year 2026, the day will fall on September 13. The consistent timing each year makes it easy for families to plan ahead for celebrations and gatherings with their grandparents.

What are some common ways to celebrate Grandparents' Day?

Common celebrations include organizing a family meal or picnic, creating handmade cards and gifts, looking through old photo albums, or sharing stories. Many schools host special events where grandparents are invited to visit. Community activities like intergenerational games or gatherings at retirement residences are also popular. The key is to engage in meaningful activities that strengthen bonds and show appreciation for grandparents' love and wisdom.

What is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly?

The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is a separate observance established by Pope Francis in 2021 for the Catholic Church worldwide. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, near the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne. In 2026, this day falls on July 26 with the theme 'I will never forget you'. While distinct from the Canadian secular holiday, it shares the same spirit of honouring and connecting with older generations.

When did National Grandparents' Day begin in Canada?

National Grandparents' Day began in Canada in 1995. It was established through a motion submitted in the House of Commons by Sarkis Assadourian. The motion proposed designating the second Sunday in September each year for the occasion. This was to acknowledge the importance of grandparents to the family structure.

What was the motion that proposed Grandparents' Day in Canada?

The motion was number 273, submitted in 1995. It stated that the government should consider designating the second Sunday in September as Grandparents' Day. The purpose was to acknowledge grandparents' importance in the nurturing, upbringing, and education of children. This motion led to the establishment of the day in Canada.

Which flower is the official flower of Grandparents' Day in the United States?

The forget me not is the official flower of the United States National Grandparents Day. This flower blooms in the spring. Seasonal flowers are often given to grandparents on this day in appreciation. The forget me not symbolises a lasting tribute and remembrance.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.