In the Northern Hemisphere, September, October, and November are considered the harvest months. Many people, even those who are not Christian, celebrate Thanksgiving as a remembrance of the bounty given from the Earth. Although many harvest festivals seem to be rooted in the Christian faith, individuals around the world rejoice in the harvest in meaningful ways that celebrate their own roots. Even though the dates on some of these festivals have passed, you can still learn more about how different cultures give thanks.
Freyfaxi – A Norse Tradition
This celebration typically begins in August and honors the Norse god Freyr who is associated with virility, prosperity, and sunshine. The growing season in Norway is much shorter than in many other countries, so it has to be earlier. Enjoy a traditional blót, a feast where animals would be sacrificed. In Iceland, you would enjoy martial sports and horse races along with the feast.
Sukkot – Protection in the Desert
This is a Jewish holiday that has historical and agriculture significance. In 2015, this holiday begins on September 27 and lasts for eight days. It is often treated as a vacation time, for enjoyment and relaxation with family. Jewish homes are built, temporary structures that remind them of God’s sheltering provisions during the Exodus. This sukkah is used throughout the celebration for eating meals and entertaining guests, to be a remembrance of living in the desert before their ancestors were allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Mehrgān – The Persian Harvest
This festival is also called the Persian Festival of Autumn. It has Zoroastrian roots, and it is a celebration of life and the harvest season, giving thanks to God for the bounty of the earth after the farmers collected their crops. Wear new clothes for the celebration and include dried marjoram on your table. This year, the date is October 2.
Harvest Moon Festival
Although this celebration goes by many names, including the Mooncake or Lantern Festival, it’s commonly known as the Harvest Moon Festival due to its association with moon worship and gazing. Chinese and Vietnamese families gather for harvest and marriages and to give thanks. Rejuvenation is thought to come from the moon. Don’t forget to serve hot Chinese tea with your mooncakes. In 2015, the date is September 27.
Rtveli – A Festival of Wine Harvest
Celebrated in Georgia in late September or mid-October, this holiday honors the wine making traditions. Although people work during the morning hours, they end the day with a feast and folk songs. Many people in Georgia make wine for their own personal consumption and grow grapes right in their yards. Everyone gets involved in the harvest and the celebration.
Oktoberfest – A Wedding Celebration
A German festival associated with October is one of the harvest celebrations that doesn’t find its heritage in religion. It was to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810. On the final day of the celebrations of the royal wedding, horse races were held. The next year, the country repeated the races which provided the tradition of Oktoberfest. During the mid-1800s, the festival had to be canceled because of epidemics and wars, but over time it was reorganized into the public festival with breweries bringing their newly produced ales.
The Pagan Calendar
For Pagans and Wiccans, the harvest is not just one event, but three:
- Lammas – The first of the harvest celebrations, held on August 1.
- Mabon – The autumnal equinox, which recognizes the need to thank the gods and goddesses for the harvest .
- Samhain – Celebrated on October 31, this is the end of the harvest season and beginning of the new year in Celtic culture. Wiccans and Pagans remember their ancestors and those who have passed on.
Celebrate the Bounty- Thanksgiving
Religion makes no difference in the need for sustenance from the land. Celebrate what Mother Nature gave in the way that you deem appropriate, while appreciating that everyone has their own version of Thanksgiving.