Those small yet important moments as a kids that help you celebrate events for your kids are super important. Each generation has their own version, but they have them nonetheless.
Last August 2024 Cultural Courage Article
Stewardship is Key To Understanding Leadership
What is Haervest-Monath?
Harvest traditions in England
The term “Haervest-Monath” has its roots in Old English, specifically from the word *hærfest*, which translates to “autumn” or “harvest-time.” This term was used to denote the season associated with the gathering of crops, particularly between August and November. The etymology traces back to Proto-West Germanic *harbist* and Proto-Germanic *harbistaz*, which also relate to the concept of harvest and autumn. The Proto-Indo-European root *kerp-* means “to gather” or “to pluck,” further emphasizing the connection between the term and the act of harvesting crops.
In Anglo-Saxon England, the naming of months and seasons reflected the agricultural calendar and the community’s relationship with the land. *Hærfest* was one of the four primary seasonal names, indicating its significance in the agricultural cycle. The Old English term highlights the cultural importance of the harvest period, which was celebrated through various customs and festivals, marking the end of the growing season and the beginning of preparations for winter.
Harvest Customs
- Hollaing Largesse: In East Anglia, harvesters would form a circle and shout “Holla Lar!” when a stranger passed by, expecting a donation to fund their harvest supper.
- Crying the Neck: This ceremony involved reapers celebrating the last sheaf of corn, known as “the neck.” After cutting it, they would hold it aloft while shouting, and the group would respond in a call-and-response manner, celebrating the harvest’s completion.
- Corn Dollies: The last sheaf of corn was often fashioned into a corn dolly, symbolizing the spirit of the harvest. These were kept until spring to ensure good fortune for the next harvest.
- Harvest Supper: Farmers would host communal meals to thank those who helped with the harvest. These feasts often included various meats, bread shaped like sheaves of wheat, and ale, accompanied by singing and dancing
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Labor Day Is the Last Day
My daughter triggered my theme for Sunday Nights Radio when I was taking her to an appointment this week. “Dad. Do you remember when we would wait until Monday evening to sneak into Arts, Beats and Eats so we could beg for freebies as the food vendors shut down? I remember feeling so sick as we pigged out, then ran to the next food stand to get more.”
Meanwhile In 1973 in Delaware County
I was struck by how Labor Day is the bookend of the summer adventure shelf as a kid, and I couldn’t help recall my summer growing up and feeling that awful energy fueled “by wait, there are a few more hours, what can you pack in …”
DA – Delaware Academy Sounds Pretentious But It Was A Public School
Why is there a picture of my school for a Summer remembrance? Because my town, Delhi, was so small that all summer activities took place at the school. The public swimming pool was there, softball and hardball was played there. The only other thing connected to the school was we met here for summer community marching band. Community practiced on my street, so since I was 5 I knew I would play in it someday.
But I grew up with Steel Brook in the back of my house, and my buddies and I spent so much time back there to. Leave the house after breakfast, come home at dinner.
The Village Square
Wednesday nights my town would have events in the month of July in the Town Square. The Community Band performed there as well, but before I was in the band, I’d be there with friends, on our bikes. No tether, no phones.
Walton Fair – Near August End for All Sorts of Competitions
Delhi Community always competed at the Walton Fair with other bands from other counties. But when I was younger my family would hit the fair, grab a pancake super, and see the Holstein, horse, pig competitions. The Clydesdales were my favorite.
http://delawarecountyfair.org/
But we grow up, we move on. Summers when I had to work for my dad or out at MSU had more action than what small town could offer.
The Next Humanzee Generation Adventures
There’s always gear at the door because someone is always taking a trip to Michigan’s beautiful lakes. Suki gets jealous that she’s left behind.
And My Son, Captain Gilligan, Has Nightly Adventures At His Gig
My son’s is first mate and a bartender on a small cruise boat that travels the Detroit River at night. He told he’s been to the port with Detroit’s most famous Speakeasies from Prohibition.
