It is difficult for most of us to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry; which is one of the most popular fruits in the world. There are ten varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor, size, and texture and yet all of them have the same heart shape and leafy green cap. To fete the strawberry, that has a long history in Native Culture, the Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting the Strawberry Moon Festival on June 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., a delicious celebration not to be missed!
The Institute has organized games, food, and stories that honor the importance of this fruit to Native American culture. Strawberries have been used for centuries as medicine, in cuisine, and ceremonially by Native Americans and represent life and good health.
At the Strawberry Moon Festival, visitors of all ages will enjoy traditional Native American Music, and stories told by a traditional Native American Storyteller that teach the importance of giving thanks to the bounty of the Earth. A highlight of this event will be samplings of complimentary food such as strawberry tea and strawberry bread made from locally grown fruit. Special activities for children are planned from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The cost of this event is $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors, $6 for children and is free of charge for members of the Institute.
A Native American Story About the Strawberry
In the beginning, there was the first man and first woman, they lived together and were very happy. Eventually, they began to quarrel and the woman left the man and started off toward the Sun land (Nundagunyi) in the east. The man followed her, but she kept on going, never looking back. The Creator pitied the man and asked him if he was still angry with the woman, he said no and asked the Creator to help him win her back.
The Creator caused a beautiful patch of huckleberries to spring up on the path in front of the woman, but she did not stop. Farther on, the Creator put a clump of blackberries on her path, which she did not acknowledge. Other fruits and trees were placed in front of her to no avail. Then she came upon the first known patch of ripe red strawberries. She stopped and tasted a strawberry, and then another. As she began to pick the strawberries and put them in her basket she thought of her the first man, and looking west, began to miss him.
No longer upset, she packed her basket with strawberries and started for home. The first man met the first woman on the path, his heart soared when he saw her smiling and heard her singing. He wanted to tell her how much he missed her. Smiling she put her hand to his lips and placed a strawberry in his mouth. Silently, the first man gave thanks to the Creator for this wonderful gift of fruit that brought the first woman back to him. Hand in hand they returned to the village, eating strawberries along the way.
The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village. Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.
The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation. This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.
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