September 1, 2022
Fall is in the air! With fall comes apple picking and with apples comes bobbing for apples—though it’s been a while since we’ve tried that. Interestingly, that tradition was originally a British courting ritual with each apple representing the name of an eligible bachelor. Each woman would try to get the apple of the man in which she was interested. If she got it on the first try, it meant they would live happily ever after. If she got it on the second try, it meant the couple would get together, but their love wouldn’t last long. Trying a third time wasn’t an option. This custom declined in Britain during the 1800’s, but was revived as a game by Americans at the end of that century.
Another fall tradition is Oktoberfest, which started as a commemoration of the 1810 marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, who became King Ludwig I, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Traditionally celebrated the third weekend in September until October 1st, this year’s Oktoberfest in Lovettsville will be September 23-24. Although German settlers came to Lovettsville as early as 1720, the roots of their celebration lead back to an even older tradition:
“Erntedank” or Harvest Thanks, traditionally held on or around Michaelistag or Michaelmas (the Feast of the Archangel St. Michael and All Angels in the liturgical calendar), which is on September 29.
It’s nice that Lovettsville’s Oktoberfest is week after Bluemont Fair, which is September 17-18 this year. We talked about it in last month’s newsletter, though didn’t mention the Antiques & Flea Market. Keep us in mind if you find something there that needs repair, refinishing, reupholstery, caning, etc. Of course, we also hope you’ll stop in the store to see what we have available. If you get to the fair early enough on Saturday, you can catch the Celtic Rhythm School of Dance performing at 10 on the stage behind the Community Center; this is Loudoun County’s oldest Irish dance school, but also offers ballet classes. Celtic Rhythm will be followed at 11 by the Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers, who are another Loudoun County favorite.
Though the 1879 lithograph shown below is entitled “The Goodnight Kiss,” it always reminds me of dancing, probably because of the mother’s outfit. Beautifully framed, this would make a nice addition to a bedroom, bathroom, or hallway. It’s just waiting for the right person to give it a good home! 😊
Bob & Lynne McCann