Hari
OM
Story-day is for cultural exploration, puraanas and
parables and finding out about leading lights in spiritual philosophy.
Harvest festivals are a cultural practice the world over. Every
community and faith structure has its own version of praise for the bounty
obtained from the fields and forests, the land, sea and sky. Almost all of them
will require a gathering, and a placement offering of some of the harvest
itself, which will be shared around the community following a worship and
blessing.
The timings of these festivals vary greatly; some according to
season and position on the globe, others according to calendar - some according
to the sun and others according to the moon.
However it is arrived at, it is invariably a joyful time. The hard
work of sowing and plant and tending has been rewarded with fruits, vegetables,
fish and meats (for those who eat them).
An interesting take at this time is Sukkot, the Jewish harvest
festival of the autumn months (there are another two with different focus). For
this, devotees will build a small, temporary dwelling. A little more than a
tent, but less than a hut. Indeed, this is described as the 'festival of the
booths'. Here is an entertaining video on the subject… and for the inquisitive, do click through here...
