We started a new tradition in November.

I call it Pie Five Days.

My symbol for Pie Five Days is an open hand: the symbol Osages use to adorn clothing and blankets, and the same symbol school children use to silhouette a turkey—they trace their open hand with a crayon—the thumb becomes the turkey’s head while the fingers transform into feathers.

Now the symbol refers to the five days of pie. In Cindylouland, at least.

We start with pie Thanksgiving eve and eat our way through Sunday.

Pie for breakfast, pie for lunch, pie for dinner.

Rest assured we eat more than pie, dining on greens and potatoes and leftover fowl in between pie courses.

This year we tried marionberry, apple and pumpkin on the sweet side and my husband turned to onion and bacon on the savory side.

My Osage relatives stuff us with meat pies when we visit, a favorite with the children and my husband.

If you want the kids to come inside for supper, all you have to do is yell, “MEAT PIES.”

So, next November when I greet you with an open palm, remember it carries a double-meaning.

I’m greeting you in the traditional Osage way and sharing the secret hand of Pie Five Days.

Blog #30 for Native American Heritage Month

Image from the Health and Human Services government website