The end of summer is always bittersweet. The cycle of life turns from long, luxurious days and gives way to the shorter colorful days of autumn. It’s a time of bountiful riches. This time of year signifies the end of growing season and the harvesting of mature crops. Britain’s season culminates in Harvest Festival where the earths plentiful treasures are celebrated and shared. The first American Thanksgiving was also a celebration of harvest
Harvest Festival is held on the Sunday closest to the full harvest moon. Families gather together in churches and homes where they sing and give thanks for the earth’s bounties. Offerings of food are given to families in need. Precious, simple values are learned during the picking, preparing and honoring of earth’s rich gifts leading up to the festival.
This special time of year always began for me in my nanny’s garden where many life lessons were learned. Nanny’s garden was small but full of promises, riches and magic. I remember excitedly and carefully choosing earthly gifts to put in my basket. What you choose to keep and what you discard would be a lifelong decision. She taught me to use all my senses in making good choices. It was there that I learned that life’s bittersweet gifts begin and end with nature. Much delight was taken picking up the apples that had fallen off the pint-sized apple tree. I learned the biggest was not necessarily the best or sweetest, and that bitter was not always bad. Whether the amount picked was small or large, the colors, smells and tastes created an abundant feast for the senses. My nanny taught me that living and the land were connected and that all were invited to partake in the glorious harvest supper.
As I look at my precious grandsons, I’m again reminded I’ve never had such abundance. Each moment with them is a time to recreate those magical memories and pass on loving wisdom and human values. As their grandmother, I plant the seeds that help ensure strong growth. Teaching values in the early years will help instill their own awareness of human connections. Kindness, gratitude and respect for all living things needs to be taught and nurtured. Growing their own small gardens and helping feed others introduces them to that important connection.
For urban families without gardens, a farmers market offers a rich variety of fresh foods. One of my earlier grandparenting memories is of now 2-year-old Copeland being carried around a local farmers market. Tightly snuggled in his baby carrier unable to see, yet acutely aware of the sounds and smells. A child is never too young to learn about home grown produce and support local businesses. This past weekend, Copeland continued with his farm to table education as he picked the apples that went into homemade apple pies.
As harvest is a season of the senses, present young children with foods of different textures and flavours. It’s a good time to introduce concepts such as hard and soft, bitter and sweet.; slicing different varieties of apples. A wonderful way to sample different apple types is to go apple picking or buy mixed apples at a farm or market. Pairing different apples with dips is a good way to encourage young picky eaters to try healthy foods.
In addition to sampling edible textures, a simple harvest craft is fun and easy for tiny hands. Recently 21-month-old Jack and I talked about different colors, shapes and textures, while making a simple apple project. All that was needed was an enthusiastic toddler, apple cut outs and various multi-textured materials.
This Harvest Festival I’m remembering the magic of nanny’s garden, and giving thanks that my own basket is full to the brim.
Sharon Cole is a licensed speech, language pathologist and proud grandmother. Her goal is to enhance children’s lives through language, love and laughter. Sharon can be contacted at [email protected] for any questions about the British Nanny column or speech and language concerns.
