November 23 is “Labour Thanksgiving Day” in Japan. We have never fully understood what this holiday is about, so we did some research.

Labor Thanksgiving Day originates from a ceremony named niinamesai. This ceremony is held at the Imperial Court for the Emperor to offer new crop of rice to the gods of heaven and earth. The Emperor also eats the new rice at the ceremony.

After World War II, they were not allowed to have imperial events and/or religious festivals as national holidays. Therefore, they made the day as “Labour Thanksgiving Day” and made it the day to show their gratitude for each other for their labor and celebrate the year’s production.

The interesting thing is that they made the day not “Labour day” but “Labour Thanksgiving Day”. Imperial Court and many shrines still celebrate the year’s new crop on November 23. Seems like “Labour Thanksgiving Day” has double meaning…

Last Wednesday, we joined Island Roots Farmers’ Market in Nanaimo, for the first time. We wanted more people to enjoy our healthy and delicious organic wholegrain sourdough bread and vegetables. It took a lot of time and effort but we got positive feedbacks from visitors. We will probably join again this week (waiting for their confirmation). Hours and location are: 3 – 6pm on Wednesday, Beban Park, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo.

A few weeks ago, we baked sweet potato bread and it was quite popular. We got some more sweet potatoes from Fern Hollow Farm and will bake and bring some to Saturday market this week. If you haven’t try one yet, don’t miss it!

Thank you for all your support on Wednesday pick up. Unfortunately, we have to call an end to it for now. Please come to AGI market on Saturday, where we bring whatever we can harvest along with our bread. It is at 10am – 1pm on Saturdays at AGI Hall.

Stay warm!