Another story from my childhood spent with Grandfather

Date:   10/14/2010 9:29:54 PM ( 14 y ago)

THE GIVE AWAY

When I was a child, once a year around the Fall Equinox, we participated in what we called “The Give Away.” Grandfather always felt that we had an abundance of things and wanted to share what we had. We would prepare for this event all year. I remember making crib quilts and rag rugs along with saving seeds for this time. We also brought maple syrup that we made, and other things.

Grandfather would load up the truck and take our “give- aways” to the big event. Once there we would set up our table and put out the things we wanted to give away. We always had small cloth packets that contained four of each kind of seed (for the four directions); a blessing or prayer would be said as the seeds were placed into the bundle. The bundles contained the “Three Sisters” that were corn, beans and squash seeds. It was said that if you had the Three Sisters you would never starve. When the bundles were made a note would be attached that said: "May you never starve." So, everyone who came to our table would take a packet that had the note on it, “May you never starve,” along with our prayers for them.

Everyone would go from table to table to see what was being given away and take the things they needed. It was never just a thing of just taking to take, but always, only taking what was needed. Lots of things were available: seeds, food, knives, tools, toys, quilts, blankets, wool and many other things. These were things that people made, grew, or didn’t need anymore. Everything was in good condition and all were good things.  Afterwards, everyone would sit around, talk, and eat and the children would play together.

On our way home, Grandfather and I would talk about how great the give away was; we would be so happy that we had been able to give away all of the things we brought!

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More Stories from my childhood with Grandfather:

Blueberry Time  http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1944751

Making Maple Syrup http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1815117

"Spring Song" http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1779014  

Squirrels http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1766705

Winter http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1752146

The Five Stones of Living http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1742716

Ordinary Day  http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1661612  Grandfather teaches me about being grateful for each day and the "ordinary" things of life.

Grandfather and the Breezes http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1625807 

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