What could be more American than apple pie?! The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock almost four hundred years ago. As the term pilgrim implies, the people were seeking a sacred site and ultimately founded a colony, states and nation. These early Europeans had a strong core of Christian religious value systems. They brought with them biblical stories including Adam and Eve with the infamous bite of the apple!
Apples have been part of western cultural history since we learn of Heracles seeking golden apples as the symbol of immorality. As the American culture developed it is little wonder apples played a significant role as a symbol of temptation; and they provided an abundant source of beverages, medicine (apple cider vinegar) and food.
As the United States continued to grow in population and expand westward, symbols of the American identity grew. It was around this time American folk legends, including Johnny Appleseed begin to emerge. And this legend was based on a real person – Johnathan Chapman! He was born on September 26, 1774. Although many of us may remember the Disney version of Johnny Appleseed as a weak little man, history proves he was not. Although, it seems Johnathan Chapman not only may have embraced the image of Johnny Appleseed, he probably promoted it.
Contrary to the perceived image, the man Johnathan Chapman was a trained orchardist, with a mission to spread and grow apples for the ever expanding new nation. And really, his personal mission far exceeded the growing and tending of apples. Chapman was a deeply spiritual man, self-trained scholar and was known as an excellent preacher.
Through-out the many places Johnathan Chapman traveled and planted orchards, he left a legacy which forever changed the cultural, religious values and history of our nation. Honor Johnathan Chapman’s contributions on September 26 with apples. You will be celebrating European story traditions from the beginning of recorded history.
Enjoyed the blog post. Yesterday I went into apple overload. After church my family ate out. I had an apple crepe. My family ordered dessert. Of course I wasn't going to be left out-I had sugar free apple pie. I think I really celebrated Johnny Appleseed even though I was almost a week late!
Posted by: Myranette Robinson | 10/03/2016 at 09:09 AM
Lovely, energetic post! I delight in the story of Johnathan. There is definitely a spirituality in his action. Happy Apples!
Posted by: Elizabeth Wunsch | 10/18/2016 at 08:21 AM