The biblical festivals, seasons, and literature
by
White_Rabbit
08/11/2008, 6:28 PM
The biblical Festivals given in Leviticus 23 are closely linked to the harvest seasons in the Land of Israel.
Passover and Unleavened Bread = early spring
Pentecost (Shavo`ot) = late spring
Trumpets = end of agricultural year, late summer or early autumn
Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day (Sheminit Atseret or Eighth-Day Assembly) = early autumn
In addition there are the major Jewish festivals of Hanukkah (very late autumn to early winter) and Purim (very late winter to early spring). There is also the fast of the 9th of Ab in mid-summer.
Various works of biblical literature are linked to these Festivals, by content or by association in the Jewish liturgical year or both. Some such link
There are five Festival Scrolls or Megillot in the biblical canon. The Song of Songs is the Festival Scroll linked with Passover and with the spring. Ruth is linked to Shavu`ot (Pentecost). Ecclesiastes is linked to Tabernacles. Lamentations is linked to 9 Ab (the date of the destruction of both Temples and of many other calamaties befalling the Jews). Esther is linked to Purim for obvious reasons.
The "seasonal" and major Festivals and Holy Days (those in Leviticus 23) have works that have become associated with them as well. Psalms 113 is linked with Passover, as indeed is the whole "Great Hallel". Exodus 15 is linked to Unleavened Bread. Psalms 67 is linked to Shavu`ot. Psalms 96 and 98 are linked to Trumpets. This list is not exhaustive.
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