Harvest
A harvest festival is a celebration of the food that is grown on the land. Celebrations giving thanks for our food, happen in many countries around the world. In Britain, harvest festivals are often celebrated in churches by bringing baskets of food to give thanks to God. People enjoy singing, praying, listening to stories and decorating the church. In the past, it was not as easy to find food in the winter. It was important that farmers brought the harvest in before the cold winter came so that there was enough food until the spring. Now, we bring food in from all around the world. Fruits and vegetables are available for us to buy at all times of the year. Harvests all around the world allow us to enjoy different foods at any time of year.
In Britain, harvest festivals are traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the harvest moon. This is the full moon that happens closest to the autumn equinox (around the 23rd September). This is usually in September, although in some years it is October. At St.Peter’s, we gather food donations which we donate to local charity Infinity Initiatives. We also use our altars and prayer spaces to reflect on how Harvest is celebrated around the world and we gather in church for a special service.