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Harvest Busk occurs two new moons after the new moon closest to the fall equinox. It always falls in the West Quadrant of the Square and is symbolized by the West Cabin and the Northwest Gate of the Square. As Green Corn celebrates the ingathering of the corn crop; harvest represents the harvest of fall crops such as pumpkins, nuts, late squash, and sweet potatoes. As the corn is offered to the Fire at Green Corn before the People may partake of it, so too are these fall crops offered to the Fire before we partake of them.Harvest Busk also celebrates the fall/winter hunts of deer and turkey which were major game animals of the Muskogee people. This is one reason that the masked deer dance is performed at this High Holiday.
Because it is the last High Holiday prior to the dark days, it is also the time when we seek revelation from the Creator for his will for the People. It is also the time when dark day bundles are prepared for the women as physical tokens of prayers for the protection and comfort of the People through the dark days. Harvest is a beautiful but bittersweet ceremony for we know that the dark days are coming and the ceremonial cycle will be on hiatus until the return of spring and the breaking of winters’ back. For many Muskogee’s, it is a very emotional and poignant ceremony for they know the fire in the Square shall be put “to sleep” until the Berry ceremony the following spring. It is this bittersweet poignancy which makes Harvest such a beloved ceremony.
Please message us if you need driving directions or other first time visitor information. Nene Hutke is an "open grounds" (meaning you do not need permission to attend a ceremony). However, we do ask that you find out what to bring, how to dress, etc., prior to attending.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Nene Hutke, 719 McKeown Rd, Chattahoochee, FL 32324, United States,Chattahoochee, Florida