There are times we reflect, we rejoice and take a few extra moments to absorb the beauty that surrounds us. That time is autumn.
As we bid our hot summer goodbye, we start to think about the impending winter ahead. Much like the squirrels gathering their acorns, there is anticipation in the air. Lawn furniture is gathered and stored, swimming pools are covered and winterized, air conditioners are taken from our windows and placed in storage too. Yes, winter is certainly on the way, but first it is a New England autumn that we must experience in all its glory.
Foliage has now begun, the crops have been harvested. It is time to celebrate the bountiful harvest and enjoy the fruits of our labor. For some the harvest starts the annual process of canning preserves for the winter months ahead, for others the pressing of the apple cider.
When our ancestors concluded their harvest, it was time to celebrate. Our earliest ancestors in New Hampshire were not unlike us. With our annual fall routines we conduct in preparation of the approaching winter, we are functioning in the same way as those a century ago. Some things are certainly different, but many chores remain the same. When the gardens are closed for the season and the fruits and vegetables are picked and sorted it is a time of reflection.
Our ancestors very survival was crucially dependent upon the harvest, if it was bountiful they survived the winter. If the harvest was not bountiful there was a chance the winter months might render them poorly. Starvation, lack of wood for fires and meals that are so very small, robbing the nutrition that we all require. Yes, there were sad times in the old days when the harvest was poor, certainly not a time to celebrate, but to plan for survival.
It was our ancestors that would pick their fruit and vegetables and gather as a community. The celebration at the conclusion of the harvest was indeed a very festive event year after year. It was a time when you visited with your neighbors and discussed the events that came to mind. It was a time to share and rejoice as one, neighbors helping neighbors, bringing their finest meals and pies and beverages to the gathering. Most of our earliest settlers living in New Hampshire had a few apple trees on their property, along with livestock this provided cider for the winter months ahead as well as milk, cheese, butter and cured meats and fish and more.
Most harvest festivals over a century ago would include the indulgence of delectable meals, treats and hard cider as well as music and dancing. It was a time when the planting was still months in the future and winter chores were on the mind. Harvesting firewood was a chore that was necessary to heat and cook. The social aspect of the harvest celebrations continued for many years and to a degree they still exist in a manner to this very day.
We embark on cold October mornings as we enjoy our hot pumpkin coffee and a variety of ciders. We gather at fall foliage festivals and we socialize as music is played, canned goods and preserves are sampled and purchased and the foliage laden trees are vibrant. We are like our ancestors in so many ways.
With hard work there are rewards, we celebrate and support those that provide. It is time to journey the back roads, think about things that are important to you. Reflect upon your life and breath deeply around a campfire. It is time to indulge and prepare for winter. It is time to celebrate the harvest.