Image Credit: U. Leone
Harvest Festival is a glorious celebration which takes place in autumn. Originally it was a celebration to give thanks for a good harvest.
The celebrations would usually include feasting, drinking, dancing and general merriment!
A celebration of harvest time was originally a pagan festival but has been incorporated into most religions and cultures.
Nowadays, Harvest Festival is celebrated in schools and churches by the collection of food to distibute to needy people - as well as with celebrations, concerts, parties and meals.
Decorating the house or classroom is a big part of a Harvest Festival celebration, so here are lots of cool Harvest Festival themed crafts, games and activities including colouring and puzzles.
Lets start with a scarecrow, which is a traditional symbol of Harvest, as it helps keep the crops from being eaten! This cute little fella is made from popsicle sticks.
This cool drawing tutorial teaches you How to Draw Scarecrows with Pumpkin Heads . It makes it really easy - go try it!
This Craft Stick Scarecrow would look good indoors or outdoors.
If you are feeling really adventurous here is how to make a full-sized scarecrow using straw and old clothes.
Now onto some really neat harvest and autumn themed arts and crafts.
Make some big art with this brilliant idea for leaf painting. Perfect for a group project at school or playgroup.
I love this Autumn Leaves Windcatcher. This one uses fabric leaves, but I think it could work quite well with real leaves as well. Maybe you could make painted leaves on paper and cut them out to use too!
This corn cob is a quick and easy craft for younger kids.
This idea for a beautiful lantern could be adapted to any season - I think it would also be great for Halloween with a pumpkin shape cut out instead of a leaf.
Take a look at these Harvest Festival Banners which use colourful indian corn motifs - so pretty.
Leaf prints are so pretty and such fun! This is a tutorial on how to make a basic leaf print. Perfect messy fun for toddlers!
Now onto some more cool Harvest Festival ideas.
Corn Dollies are a traditional decoration at Harvest time. Here's how to make them yourself.
If your kids are keen on sensory bins here is are some good ideas for a harvest themed one, using breakfast cereals.
This shaker uses popping corn to make a fabulous homemade musical instrument.
Here are some cool Harvest Festival Printables
Here are our own Harvest Festival colouring pictures, including a corn dolly, pumpkin and horn of plenty.
This Harvest colouring picture is really cute.
Finally, I love these yummy looking Scarecrow cookies.
Have a lovely Harvest Festival celebration!