It’s Harvest Festival time. The EcoClub has dug up the potatoes, they have pulled the turnips and picked the last of the runner beans. The children have nurtured these plants from seeds, watering and weeding, to create the best growing conditions possible. Their excitement at the harvest, the result of their hard work, was amazing to see.
This harvesting ritual has been going on for as long as there has been agriculture across cultures from around the world. Festivals of Thanksgiving take place to recognise the connection we have to the Earth. The dependence on the land for survival is celebrated in a variety of ways.
The opportunity for the children to grow their own food continues this ritual of gratefulness to the Earth for the bounty. The disconnect in modern culture with food “coming from the shops” challenges this ritual and tradition of gratefulness and Thanksgiving. Giving children the opportunity to grow their own food whether at EcoClub, at home or at the allotment is so important to re-establish the link. The Harvest Festival Service which will take place on Friday, 6 October is an chance for the children and their families to take time to be grateful for the food that we eat and our connection to the Earth…We hope that everyone can join in the celebration.
