Bikkurim, the Ceremony of the first fruits.

During biblical times, the Shalosh Regalim were the three holidays where a pilgrimage to Jerusalem was commanded by the Torah, and where pilgrims were asked to make offerings to the Temple.


Shavuot, one of the Shalosh Reganim,  was the first day on which individuals could bring the Bikkurim (first fruits) to the Temple. The Bikkurim were brought from the Seven Species for which the Land of Israel was is praised:wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

The custom was for farmers of Ancient Israel  to tie a reed around the first ripening fruits from each of these species in their fields. At the time of harvest, the fruits identified by the reed would be cut and placed in baskets. Rich people used baskets woven of gold and silver, while the poor carried their fruit offerings in wicker baskets which they gave to the priests together with the fruits. The baskets would then be loaded on oxen whose horns were gilded and laced with garlands of flowers, and who were led in a grand procession to Jerusalem. As the farmer and his entourage passed through cities and towns, they would be accompanied by music and parades.