History:
Michaelmas Day is a day that marks the beginning of fall and harvest season. This is because it falls near the equinox, and it is associated in the northern hemisphere. During the Middle Ages Michaelmas Day was celebrated as a Holy Day of Obligation but this tradition was abolished in the 18th century. It falls on Sept. 29 but in the states it falls on Oct. 11.
Meal:
Traditional meal for the day includes goose, blackberries, and a special cake called a St Michael's bannock. ... It is baked by the eldest daughter in the family, guided by her mother, and assisted by her eager sisters. As she moistens the meal with the milk the girl softly says:
Mystery of Michael,
Protection of the Trinity
A small chant:
Here to thee fox, spare my lambs;
Here to thee eagle, spare my goats;
Here to thee raven, spare my kids;
Here to thee marten, spare my fowls;
Here to thee harrier, spare my chickens.
Flower:
Asters, or Michaelmas daisies, are perennial flowers. Flowers usually bloom in late summer or fall in clusters, with each blossom from half an inch to several inches wide, on stems six inches to several feet tall. Ray petals are white, blue, deep purple, or pink and central disks are golden.
Lesson Ideas:
A healthy heart is a healthy you! We are going to eat blackberries and oats. I will explain the good of eating these foods and how they are associated to the heart. Once finished the children will do color sheets and we will have an informal discussion on why the foods are good for the heart.
Color sheet on cereal and why they like it:
http://www.abcteach.com/free/c/cereal_m.pdf
Blackberries:
http://www.abcteach.com/free/b/blackberries_m.pdf
