MICHAELMAS

According to Fenland folklore, no marshman worth his salt will touch a blackberry after today. But why, I hear you ask?

It’s all tied to a story in the Book of Revelation, where Michael and his angels kicked the Devil’s arse out of heaven, and he landed right in a bramble bush. Ever since then, on Michaelmas Eve, the cheeky Devil seeks his revenge by flying over and spitting on the berries, leaving behind those scorched remnants.

This was a widespread belief throughout Britain and Michaelmas is now known as National Poisoned Blackberries Day in America (according to Google)

But leaving those berries on the bush isn’t just a nod to tradition; it’s actually good for the environment! By letting them stay, the berries are providing food for wildlife and helping to spread seeds, which keeps our ecosystem thriving - a silver lining to the whole thing.

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