We cannot tell a lie.
going red
They’ve been celebrated for centuries since arriving on our
shores with settlers in the 1600s. They’ve won the hearts of roy-alty
and noblemen. They symbolize happiness and joy and are
believed to be a sign of immortality. They are embedded in our
cultural landscape. Bing, Rainier, Tulare, sweet and sour — we
are, of course, talking about cherries.
This month, there are several reasons to celebrate the delec-table
scarlet and purple orbs. February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and
poets and painters have used cherries as symbols of both earthly
and heavenly delight. Feb. 19 is Presidents’ Day. February 20 is
National Cherry Pie Day. And George Washington’s birthday is
Feb. 22. No doubt that on at least one of these occasions, cherry
pie — or some kind of cherry dessert — will be on the menu.
It is only right to delve into the history of one of America’s
favorite fruits.
We’ve all heard the legend of George Washington and the cherry
tree. As the original story is told, 6-year-old George received a
hatchet as a gift from his father. In his mother’s garden grew an
English cherry tree, and George went about cutting off all the
bark with his hatchet until it eventually died.
One day his father discovered the tree, and asked George who
killed the tree. George replied, “I cannot tell a lie, you know I
cannot tell a lie! I did, I cut it with my hatchet.”
The story became firmly entrenched in American
culture and accepted as part of folklore. In
part, because we all like a good wholesome
story, but also because Washington’s
ideals are as American as, well,
cherry pie.
BY COLLEEN THOMPSON
120
WBM february 2018