November

The Book of Hours calendar turns to November, and this page is one of my favorites. For once, the miniature painting doesn't show a French castle owned by the rich Duc du Berry. Instead, the countryside is inspired by the artist's imagination, and shows the autumn acorn harvest. A peasant is throwing sticks into the trees to knock down nuts that his pigs are gobbling on the ground. I like the quiet dog in the left corner, taking it all in.

This porcine treat of acorns and hickory nuts is called "mast." Pigs love eating forest mast, which supposedly makes the most delicious pork in the world-- a gourmet's delight. And these fellows look nice and fat already.

November 1 is also All Saint's Day, a national holiday in some Catholic countries. Christians celebrate the day because they believe the living can have a prayerful communion with those who have died-- whether they are already in heaven, or still thrashing around in purgatory. Today is not to be confused with the celebration of All Souls' Day on November 2 (Day of the Dead) which commemorates the departed who have seen the "beatific vision."

I'm having my own "beatific vision" about something else tomorrow: the end of the election and political advertising.