Winu gischuch, the Ripe Corn Moon Festival August 15, 2010

The Bergen County Historical Society marks the ancient Algonquian festival of Winu gischuch with an old-fashioned picnic, musical entertainment, and corn roast. Historian Kevin Wright will speak on the Cycle of Seasons from his book 1609, A Country That Was Never Lost at 6:30 PM in the Steuben House. Tour the Campbell-Christie House, Demarest House, Steuben House and Jersey Dutch Out Kitchen. $7 Adults, $5 Children, BCHS members free.

The Dark Moon of August, Winu gischuch, was associated with ripened corn, ready to roast. At this time, native farmers pulled cornstalks that produced no ears and sucked out the sweet sap or syrup. Fresh ears of corn in the milk were roasted.