September – Harvest and Apple Pie!

September – The Harvest Season

A Time for Gathering

As summer’s golden hues fade, September arrives in the UK and all over the northern hemisphere with a rich tapestry of traditions, flavours and celebrations. This transitional month bridges the gap between the warmth of summer and the crisp promise of autumn, offering a unique blend of experiences that make it truly special. Let’s delve into the magic of September and explore why it holds a cherished place in our hearts.

Facticle!

The Harvest Festival, celebrated in many schools and churches, has its roots in the ancient Lammas Day observed on August 1st. Lammas, derived from “Loaf Mass” marked the first wheat harvest of the year when many loaves of bread were baked and given to the church for holy communion, this tradition lasted up until King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church.

The Harvest Festival in churches, as it is known today, originated in 1843. This began when Reverend Robert Hawker invited his parishioners to a special thanksgiving service at his church in Morwenstow Cornwall, to give thanks for the harvest. This marked the formal beginning of the modern Harvest Festival, which has since become an annual tradition.

The Start of the School Year

New Beginnings

For many, September signifies the start of the new school year. It’s a time of fresh starts, new stationery and catching up with friends after the long summer break. There’s an undeniable excitement in the air as children don their uniforms and head back to the classroom.

Facticle!

A popular theory regarding the tradition of starting the school year in September probably dates back to the 19th century when the agricultural calendar required children to help with the harvest during the summer months. The school year was structured to begin after the crops had been gathered.

September Apple Picking

A Juicy Tradition

One of the quintessential activities of September is apple picking. The UK’s orchards, brimming with varieties like Bramley, Cox’s Orange Pippin and Egremont Russet, beckon families and friends to gather for a day of fun. There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a freshly picked apple, still warm from the sun.

A Memory Shared…

One of my earliest memories is of clambering up ladders and filling baskets with crisp, juicy apples from the family orchard. Later, together with my grandmother, I would help her transform our haul of apples into to most delicious apple crumbles which were stored in the freezer to be enjoyed through the long cold winter. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the kitchen is a memory I will always cherish.

Celebrating Heritage

September – Last Night of the Proms

The Last Night of the Proms, held at the Royal Albert Hall, is a joyous culmination of the BBC Proms season. It’s a grand celebration of classical music, complete with flag-waving and rousing renditions of “Rule, Britannia!” and “Land of Hope and Glory”.

September Equinox

The Balance of Day and Night

Around the 22nd of September we experience the Autumn Equinox, a moment when day and night are of equal length. This astronomical event marks the official start of autumn and is celebrated in various ways across different cultures.

A Memory Shared…

One year I attended an Autumn Equinox festival in a local park. We gathered around a bonfire, listening to stories and songs that celebrated the changing seasons. As the sun set and the air grew cooler, there was a palpable sense of connection to the rhythms of nature.

September Recipes

Three Family Favourites for You!

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