Christians believe that God created the earth. At Harvest Festivals they thank God for all the good things that come from the earth.

When is Harvest Festival?

Some Harvest Festivals are held at the beginning of harvest time. In Scotland, Lammas is celebrated on 1st August. Lammas means 'loaf mass'. A loaf of bread is made from the first wheat that is cut. It is taken to church for the bread which is eaten at the service, which in some churches is called Mass.

Some Harvest Festivals are held at the end of harvest time. In the Shetland Isles, in Scotland, deep-sea fishing used to end on 1st August. So they also gave thanks for the harvest of the sea at Lammas, when all the boats had returned safely with their catch of fish.

Autumn in the northern hemisphere comes between August and October. But it comes between March and May in the southern hemisphere. So this is when Christians in countries like Australia and New Zealand celebrate their Harvest Festivals.

How is the Harvest celebrated?

In Britain, churches often celebrate Harvest Festival in the autumn, when the wheat has been cut and the apples picked. The church is decorated with flowers and greenery. Fruit and vegetables are put on display, with a special loaf of bread in the middle. In some country churches a plough is brought in from a local farm. The minister says a blessing over it and prays for a good harvest in the year to come.

Why Harvest Festival is special?

Harvest Festival reminds Christians of all the good things God gives them. This makes them want to share with others who are not so fortunate. After the service, the food that has been put on display is usually made into parcels and given to people in need. Some churches make appeals for special things. St. Botolph's Church in the East End of London collects things like soap, towels, tea and sugar. They give these to the many homeless people in that area. They ask other churches in and around London to help them with this collection and stack everything up in the church.