Week Six: Folklore and Farming

Grain field at sunset.

I have always loved listening to the older generation of people tell stories talking about harvest time. While sometimes the truth is stretched or remembered differently depending on who is talking, the feeling is always the same - a strong community and deep sense of pride. When I was researching different folklore tales within agriculture, I came across a website specifically discussing corn harvest. I recently just got back from the Midwest (corn capital of the world) and was truly in awe of the miles and miles of corn grown there; so this website peaked my interest. The beginning of the article sums up how I feel when talking about agriculture and especially harvest time, to folks outside of it:

"Harvest is the most important time of the agricultural calendar; the fortunes of farms, families, and even entire communities are tied to its outcome. Unsurprisingly, harvest has developed its own array of deities, traditions, and superstitions to safeguard its success, which are found in almost every farming culture worldwide."

I have felt the pressure of harvest time. From unwanted rain storms to broke down equipment the stress of bringing in the crop is unmatched. At my house, it is all hands at the ready when the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. It is the priority.

In the article, it went on to discuss communities being involved within the harvest operation. There is still a 6 week break in Britain that originates back to youth helping with bringing in the crops. I went to high school in small town Idaho. Our high school mascot is a Russet Potato (that we are very proud of ;). Each fall we have a two week break for 'Spud Harvest' so youth and teachers at the school can help harvest the potatoes. I find this to bring us very close as a community and school. When talking in terms of agricultural education, this is a great way to educate students outside of the classroom. I know as a teacher, I would focus on the many ways potatoes affect our economy as a town, we have both farmers that grow the crop as well as a potato processing plant right in downtown. I think it would also be neat to address how exactly Russet potatoes are grown around out town and involve the community as a whole.

Stories bring people together. I have heard various wise tales over the years that have stuck with me being involved in agriculture. I hope to hold onto those tales and stories and share them with my students in the classroom.

As always, thank you for reading.

*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*

Spencer, Hannah. “Lore of the Harvest.” Folklore Thursday , folklorethursday.com/folklife/lore-of-the-harvest/.