Welcoming Autumn

Hands down, this is my favorite time of the year. The weather cools (though, as I’m writing this, it’s nearing 90 degrees), the leaves change color, and the scent of the harvest and smoky chimney fires linger in the air.

It’s the autumnal equinox—12 hours of day, 12 hours of night. Only twice a year do we find this balance between light and dark. The first marks the rebirth of nature after winter’s sleep; the second signifies nature’s abundant growth and harvest thanks to the summer sun.

For countless millennia our ancestors celebrated the solstices and their midway points, the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Evidence of this lies in their ancient structures which align with the sun precisely at the shortest, longest, and equal days of sunlight (check out Stonehenge and Machu Pichu). While modern man’s connection to nature has dissipated in that we rely on our clocks and farmers for time and food, we can still find that long gone connection. It’s as simple as going for a hike, walking along a beach, or sitting in a grassy field.

Personally, I love feeling the warm sun bake my face and the cool energy of the moon’s night time gaze, but I connect best through food. Yes, this is no surprise to those of you who’ve been reading my blog, but today’s celebration goes beyond my joy of eating. Many foods are symbolic (i.e. pumpkins, apples, etc.). Incorporating seasonal flavors into autumn dishes provides a sense of balance between me and nature.

So, to celebrate the autumnal equinox, I’m treating my family to the following (somewhat healthy) dinner: grilled pork with homemade apple-cranberry sauce, corn on the cob, green beans, honey-drizzled cornbread, and pumpkin pie. Each ingredient is not only representative of fall but also of certain correspondences to life’s elements. Listed below are the symbolic associations of the foods and herbs going into our dinner this evening:
• Apples – peace, love, health, wise choices, insight
• Cinnamon - spirituality, success, healing, power, protection, love
• Corn – the land, cycles
• Cranberries – security, protection
• Honey – sweet things in life, happiness
• Salt & Pepper – grounding, cleansing, purification, protection
• Wine – celebration, joy, honoring positive actions

Like the balance between day and night, tonight we'll think about the past six months and determine how our lives and choices succeeded or failed the balancing act among family, work, and self. And to mark the occasion, we’ll enjoy the fruits of Mother Earth and the official kickoff to the new season.

Happy Fall, Y’all!