The Autumn Equinox traditionally marks the start of Autumn. It’s the time of year when the leaves start to fall from the trees and we harvest the remaining fruits and vegetables, ready for the colder months ahead. It’s also a time when mushrooms start to grow in forests and fields across Europe, conditions are perfect for a host of wild and exotic fungi varieties.
Even in warmer climates, cultures throughout history and across the globe have celebrated this time of year throughout September and October. In this blog post, we have collated some of the most interesting festivals associated with this time of year and shared some ways that mushrooms could be incorporated into the celebrations.
1. Japan – Shūbun no Hi
In Japan, the Autumn Equinox is a public holiday known as Shūbun no Hi. It’s a time to honour deceased relatives and to pay respect to ancestors. People visit family graves, clean the gravestones, and make offerings of food. The holiday is also about celebrating nature, reflecting on the balance between day and night, and expressing gratitude for the harvest.
Recipe Idea:
Mushroom and Egg “Gyudon”
Gyudon is a Japanese dish that is a rice bowl topped with beef and onions simmered in a slightly sweet, savoury sauce. This delicious dish uses oyster mushrooms instead of beef, and takes just 30 minutes to make.
2. China – Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, takes place around the Autumn equinox. It’s one of the most important holidays in China, centred on family reunions, moon worship, and giving thanks for the harvest. People celebrate by eating mooncakes, a traditional pastry, and by gathering with family to admire the full moon, which symbolises reunion.
Recipe Idea:
Chinese Braised Mushrooms
This recipe uses Shiitake mushrooms for a rich, umami flavour that’s simple to put together and makes a big taste impact. Best served as a side with other Asian dishes.
3. United Kingdom and Ireland – Mabon and Equinox
In the UK and Ireland, some people celebrate the celtic festival of Mabon and the Autumn equinox. It’s part of the Celtic Wheel of the Year, representing the second harvest and a time for giving thanks for the fruits of the earth. Many celebrate by gathering harvest foods, like apples and pumpkins, and engaging in rituals that emphasise balance and gratitude for abundance.
Recipe Idea:
Wild Mushrooms With Garlic And Parsley
If you’re confident in identifying wild mushrooms, Autumn is the perfect time to go foraging. This recipe doesn’t need much more than butter, garlic and parsley. The fresh taste of wild mushrooms doesn’t need anything else!
4. Mexico – Chichen Itza
At the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza in Mexico, the equinox is marked by an amazing display of ancient astronomical knowledge. As the sun sets, it casts shadows along the steps of the pyramid that create the illusion of a snake slithering down the pyramid. This serpent is linked to their god Kukulkan, and thousands of people gather to witness this phenomenon.This event is significant because it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the next season, Autumn.
Recipe Idea:
Mexican Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe (Hongos Saltados)
These sautéed mushrooms are covered in spicy peppers and a buttery sauce. It’s a simple recipe that can be used in different ways.
5. India – Sharada Navaratri Hindu Festival
In India, the Autumn equinox coincides with the celebration of Navaratri, a festival that spans nine nights in honour of their goddess Durga and the triumph of good over evil. Navaratri begins in late September or early October, around the time of the equinox, and is marked by dance, music, fasting, and feasts.
Recipe Idea:
Mushroom Butter Masala
The festival involves nine days of fasting, with a special celebratory meal enjoyed with family each evening. A famous Indian dish of masala can be made with mushrooms and eaten at this time.
7. Slavic Countries – Dożynki
Dożynki is the traditional Polish harvest festival celebrated in rural areas during the Autumn equinox. The festival involves a special Mass to say thanks for the harvest, followed by a procession, dancing, and a feast where the last sheaf of the harvest is symbolically crowned.
Recipe Idea:
Mushroom and cabbage pierogi recipe
Pierogi (stuffed dumplings) are a traditional Polish comfort food and can be stuffed with meat, potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or fruit as well as many other fillings. They can be served with golden sautéed onions and sour cream or finely chopped crispy fried bacon and make a delicious snack or main dish.
