Wildflower Meadow Soda

Wildflower Meadow Soda

First Harvest, Foraging, Recipes, Summer
First Harvest is a time of year when nearly everything is ripe and ready for harvest. It is a time of year when grass and grains are coming into their own. This immediately takes my mind to golden meadows and droopy wildflowers swaying in the sun. We live in a pretty urban area, but there is a park nearby with a big open meadow and the kids love to run through it with butterfly nets swooping wildly and collapsing into fits of giggles. It's such a late summer experience and consequently, such a late summer drink. August here is hot and muggy. I love my tea, and so do the kids, but I just can't in August. Instead we make sun tea, iced tea, tea lattes and tea sodas. This…
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What is First Harvest?

What is First Harvest?

First Harvest, Folklore, Learning
First Harvest is a celebration halfway between the Summer Solstice (the official start of summer) and the Autumn Equinox (the official start of fall). It is observed on August 1st, although the technical astronomical midpoint varies slightly. It is what is known as a “cross quarter” day on the Wheel of the Year. These days are seasonal midpoints in between the “quarters” or solstices/ equinoxes. It is known as Lammas, Lughnasadh, Green Corn Festival, First Fruits, and First Harvest in various traditions. In many places around the world, it is the start of the harvest season and the peak of summer bounty. Corn, tomatoes, and wheat are all ripening. While the weather still feels hot and summery, the start of the harvest means fall is on its way. History &…
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