The Vernal Honey-Gathering
Date: The Last Saturday of April
Theme: The awakening of the hives, the sweetness of shared company, and the renewal of old bonds.
The Lore
Legend has it that in the "First Spring," the bees refused to leave their hives because the world felt too quiet and cold. It wasn't until a group of friends gathered in a meadow to sing, laugh, and share the last of their winter stores that the bees heard the "hum of humanity" and emerged to begin the pollination.
Join us as we celebrate the return of spring with a Honey-Gathering to ensure the sweetness of life returns for another year.
Gathering Traditions & Rituals
The "First Hum" Toast: Before the first glass of mead is poured, everyone at the table hums a low, resonant tone together for ten seconds. This "mimics the hive" and signifies that everyone is in harmony.
The Passing of the Horn: A vessel of mead is passed around the circle. Each person must share one "sweet thing" that happened during the winter months before pouring some into their Mead Cup and passing it on.
The Pollen Gift: We encourage each guests bring a small packet of wildflower seeds or a starter herb to trade with one another, symbolizing growth. We will also have some to share so if you can't bring any, we have you covered.
The Feast: "The Sun on a Plate"
Our food for the Honey-Gathering will focus on the bright, golden colors and fresh flavors of spring
Variety of cheeses, honeycomb, fruit and crusty sourdough bread.
Bee-Sting" Cake (yeast cake with honey-glazed almonds and custard).
$30 before March 15, $40 after
Buy your own White Winter Drinking Horn Mead Cup for $15
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