Johnny Appleseed Day
September 26 is the day to commemorate one of America's most famous legends, it's Johnny Appleseed Day! Most people are surprised to know that Johnny Appleseed was a real person, and on this day in September, we celebrate not only his enduring legacy in this country but also his birthday!
History
While we don't know exactly when or who began celebrating this day as National Johnny Appleseed Day, we do know that the date was chosen because September 26 was Johnny Appleseed's birthday.
Johnny Appleseed, despite his American legend status, was a real man by the name of John Chapman, who was born in 1774 and became one of the United States pioneer nurserymen. Appleseed became known for planting the first apple trees in American territory, in the states of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, and what were back then the northern counties of West Virginia.
He built his first nursery near Brokenstraw Creek in Pennsylvania and then traveled as far as Illinois and Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, leaving a great trail of bountiful fruit trees behind. He planted the trees for free, and left them at the care of a neighbor, and would come back every year or two to take care of them.
Along with his seeds, Appleseed also shared his teachings wherever he went. Above all, he taught people to be kind, and the need to love all animals and do them no harm. Johnny Appleseed is thought to be one of the first vegetarians.
Whenever people think about Johnny Appleseed they think about his appearance which was as humble as his spirit. He was known for his wide-brimmed hat and for often being shoeless. He traveled across the country by foot, horseback, or canoe, and would travel back miles to where he had planted his nurseries if he heard that an orchard was in poor condition.
Johnny Appleseed has become an American hero because he selflessly devoted his life to planting apple seeds with the sole purpose of having other people enjoy the fruit and apple cider. While doing so, he helped pioneers with their plantations which allowed them to claim land, thus greatly improving the American expansion.
It is thought that Johnny Appleseed died in 1845, in Fort Wayne, but it is not known where he is buried. He left behind an estate of 1,200 acres, and a legacy that would last for centuries.
Apple-loving Americans
- The United States is one of the largest producers of apples in the world. Apples are grown in almost every state, with the largest apple-producing states being Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California.
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There are thousands of apple varieties cultivated in the United States, each with its own unique taste, texture, and culinary uses. Some of the most popular include Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and McIntosh.
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America is home to many apple orchards, which are great places for apple picking, family outings, and enjoying nature. Many orchards offer seasonal activities, hayrides, and cider tastings.
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Two of the most popular uses of apples are in apple cider and apple pie. Both are incredibly popular in America. Apple cider is often associated with traditional autumnal activities like apple picking and hayrides, and apple pie is often associated with Thanksgiving and Fourth of July celebrations.
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October is recognized as National Apple Month in the United States, celebrating the apple harvest and promoting the enjoyment of apples and apple products. It is a time when Apple festivals, events, and promotions take place across the country.
What to do on Johnny Appleseed Day
The best way to enjoy Johnny Appleseed's gifts is by enjoying some tasty, organic apples on his day. To honor his legacy, you can also plant some apple trees, and try to live more according to his teachings.
While doing so, don't forget to sing the classic Johnny Appleseed Grace:
Oh, the Lord's been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain, and the appleseed;
Oh, the Lord's been good to me.
Oh, and every seed I sow
Will grow into a tree.
And someday there'll be apples there
For everyone in the world to share.
Oh, the Lord is good to me.
Oh, here I am 'neath the blue, blue sky
Doing as I please.
Singing with my feathered friends
Humming with the bees.
I wake up every day,
As happy as can be,
Because I know that with His care
My apple trees, they will still be there.
The Lord's been good to me.
I wake up every day
As happy as can be,
Because I know the Lord is there
Watchin' over all my friends and me
The Lord is good to me.
