Harvest Home

     Once upon a time not so very long ago Autumn was a time for tribes, families to come together. It was a matter of survival. The fruits of the harvest were shared. Everyone participated in gathering food, hunting, and fishing. Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables were dried or pickled for preservation through the winter months. Children gathered kindling wood while the men wielded axes on felled trees for firewood. Everyone  contributed something to be shared for the long winter months. 

     This wasn't invented by the American pilgrims. In fact, their population had been greatly reduced due to disease and hunger by the gathering time. If not for the native people sharing what they had and teaching their new white neighbors survival skills, the entire retinue from England would have most likely perished. Hunting, gathering, preserving was an ancient practise. People the world over did so. Native Americans, the Vikings, the Druids, the early Britons all harvested and shared with families and communities. 

     Holiday stories remind us of our instincts to share and cooperate to survive. We have a traditional version of the 'first Thanksgiving' story. Corrupted as it is, it still manages to illustrate the point. We have 'Good King Wenceslas' looking out on the Feast of Stephen, the day after Christmas later know as Boxing Day, to bring comfort to a man who appears to be homeless and starving. His warmth spreads to everything he touches, even the very sod where he tread. He instructs his servant to walk in his steps to keep from freezing.

     Remember, too, the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. The story based on Greek mythology was considered such an important lesson it is mentioned in the Book of Proverbs. The ant worked all Spring and Summer improving and fortifying her dwelling as well as storing food away, while the grasshopper sang and played. Consider too that ants live in a highly developed and cooperative community, while grasshoppers do not. Survival depends on only on foresight and diligence, but also on group effort.

     The lessons of all of the seasonal stories make a singular point. The real gift of the season is the gift of life and confidence in the future through working with other for the common good. It is not something that can be purchased on the last Thursday of November from 5PM-1AM Friday. Coupons not required.