Sun dappling through leaves beginning to thin.
Honey-scent of fresh, ripe apples.
Thin mist sitting low in valleys.
Early morning chill on your cheeks and bare toes.
Speckling of leaves with shades of rusty orange and ruby.
Some of the reasons fall is my favorite season of the year.
Autumn arrived according to science on the autumnal equinox - Sept 22nd. It arrives traditionally this Tuesday, September 29th, on the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas. Being a lover of "traditions" (the older the better), I do so love this feast day, especially!
Michaelmas has wonderful old traditions in many European countries. Englad has a very rich history of traditions for the Feast of Saint Michael. The link between the Celtic cultures of France and England is particularly fascinating. Did you know both have churches of St Michael...both on mounts? The famous Mont St. Michel in Normandy, France and the less well-known Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall, England.
As much as I'd like to be perfectly traditional and keep my celebration and decorating for the actual feast day, that isn't realistic for my family. (Perfection is the enemy of the good, remember?) Instead, I've found moving some of these celebrations to the nearest weekend allows us to enjoy them in a more relaxed manner.
The beginning of our fall happened this weekend with decorations on the front porch and a feast of Pumpkin Chili and a batch of Blackberry-Orange Sangria. Both these recipes were so good - and quite easy! The pumpkin in the chili added a depth of flavor, without being "pumpkin-y". I did omit the brown sugar in that recipe. And the Blackberry-Orange Sangria could be cut in half (it makes nearly a GALLON) unless you are expecting a real crowd. And, I think the next time I make it, I'll add some cinnamon sticks....maybe even some cloves.
I plan to print out a pretty coloring page like this one or a simpler one like this for younger kids to enjoy on Michaelmas.
Visit my Pinterest board with other ideas for Michaelmas.
Blessings of the season to you!
