Yesterday was Michaelmas, which we've come to celebrate over the years as an excuse to have some seasonal fun. An obscure holiday to most Canadians, Michaelmas traditions come to us from England. They are old and varied, but sometimes include the imagery of harvest, as well as knights and dragons, particularly the story of St. George and the dragon. Here's how we tied it together this year-
After afternoon tea of scones and homemade preserves, the boys took big, overgrown zucchini and carved them into dragons. The results were some of the most menacing courgettes I've ever seen!
When their dad got home from work, it was time to slay the dragons, knight-style.
There was a loud whoop! when he came walking out with a new archery set. (And I'm sure he was as excited as the kids, since he didn't have to play the role of the dragon being slain with a wooden sword this year!) After a short safety lesson (of course) they took turns taking aim at the 'dragons'.
It required more strength and precision than they suspected; a skill to practice over time. Or until the sun went down, for starters.
Dragons slain, we ate our supper in peace, knowing we were safe for another year!
I love the imagery of Michaelmas, especially with this house full of boys. It gives a great launching point to think about things like being brave and courageous; about facing challenges; about defending those weaker than ourselves; and about being responsible and respectful with the power that we have. I'm finding that the theme of 'heroes' seems to be floating about in our home this season, and Michaelmas was a fun way to explore it from a different angle.
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On another note, I just wanted to pick up the thread of my last post and mention that the glass lids worked very well! I only had a few rubber rings on hand, but those that went into the canner came out sealed just fine.
Once the jars had cooled a bit, I tested each one by taking off the screw band and lifting it off the counter by the lid. (Thanks for the tip Shanon!) They held on tight!
With all the canning going on it's hard not to be tethered to the kitchen most of the day, yet every time I step out for some fresh air I am struck by how beautiful our little farm is in it's autumn glory.
Take it in while it lasts!
4 comments:
The picture of the zucchini with a holy arrow piercing his scaly dragon breast made me laugh! What a memorable use for those garden giants. I am filing it away in my mind for the day when we have a big backyard, since I have two boys myself. (Although, I am a girl and I loved archery when I was young!)
Please, share more photos of your farm in its Autumn glory. Where we live in Southern Ontario, autumn is a big disappointment. Since the weather cools so gradually, most of the trees just turn brown! In fact, we have a maple tree in front of our house with brown curling leaves. Not so picturesque.
That's funny Laura Jeanne- I always wanted to try archery as a girl too. I'm getting the chance to do some of those fun things with my kids now, that I might have missed in my own childhood.
Re. autumn, I always had a picture of southern ON being a really picturesque place this time of year, so I'm surprised to hear about your brown, curled leaves! I will try to post more pictures then!
I love the bow and arrow set, my eldest would just love that! Where did you buy them from? I'm always on the look out for things that could build skills and keep our boys occupied on our soon to be farm : )
The set was from Wholesale Sports Outfitters. All the best with your new farm!
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