Grace Filled Lemons

The crisp air of fall always invites us to cozy flavors—pumpkin bread in the oven, a steaming mug in hand, and the aroma of warming spices that feel like a hug for the soul. But did you know that our beloved “pumpkin spice” blend has roots that reach back nearly a thousand years, to a remarkable saint and doctor of the Church?

St. Hildegard of Bingen and the Spices of Joy

St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a Benedictine abbess, visionary, herbalist, composer, and writer whose wisdom continues to inspire both the Church and the world of natural healing. Among her many insights into health and wholeness, she recommended a simple blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, which she called the “spices of joy.”

Hildegard wrote that these spices could lift the heart, clear the senses, and soothe sadness. For her, food and medicine were never separate—they were ways God provided both nourishment and healing for body and soul.

Sound familiar? Three of these same spices—nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves—are at the heart of what we now call pumpkin spice. Add ginger and allspice (flavors unknown in Hildegard’s Europe), and you’ve got the modern blend we sprinkle on lattes, pies, and muffins every autumn.

So while St. Hildegard never sipped a pumpkin spice latte, she gave us the foundation of its joyful flavors centuries before it became a seasonal obsession.

Catholic Autumn Celebrations

The Church also gives us rich reasons to celebrate in this season of harvest. Some beautiful feasts in September and October include:

September 14 – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 17 – St. Hildegard of Bingen (her feast day!)

September 29 – Feast of the Archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael)

October 1 – St. Thérèse of Lisieux

October 4 – St. Francis of Assisi

October 7 – Our Lady of the Rosary

October 15 – St. Teresa of Ávila

October 18 – St. Luke the Evangelist

October 22 – St. John Paul II

October 28 – Sts. Simon and Jude

And of course, All Saints’ Day (November 1) which crowns the fall season with the joy of the entire communion of saints.

These feast days invite us to pause, pray, and perhaps gather around the table with seasonal flavors that remind us of God’s abundance.

Recipe: St. Hildegard’s Pumpkin Spice of Joy

Here’s a modern take on Hildegard’s joyful spice blend—perfect for sprinkling into coffee, tea, oatmeal, or baking.

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tsp ground cloves

2 tsp ground ginger (modern addition)

1 tsp allspice (optional, modern addition)

Instructions:

Mix all spices together and store in a small jar.

Use ½–1 tsp per cup of coffee, latte, tea, or in recipes calling for “pumpkin spice.”

✨ If you want to keep it true to Hildegard, stick to just cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—and you’ll be enjoying her original “spices of joy.”

A Prayer for Autumn Joy

Lord of the harvest, thank You for the gifts of this season—its flavors, its colors, its saints, and its reminders of Your abundant love. May the simple comforts of autumn draw our hearts to You, the Giver of every good gift. Through the intercession of St. Hildegard, help us to taste and see Your goodness in all things. Amen.

From my Grace (and Autumn) Filled Lemons heart to yours,

Laura