barn raising

American  

noun

1. (in rural areas) a party, usually providing food, drink, etc., for the purpose of assisting a neighbor to put up a new barn.

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Etymology

Origin of barn raising

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60

Example Sentences

But as traditional modes of gathering — such as barn raising, knitting circles and church attendance — have declined, loneliness has increased, Cole said.

From Washington Post

On the first day, we were on the barn raising set, which is basically the focal point of the movie.

From Fox News

"When people set out a spread for a barn raising or a church supper or anything like that, there's an element of like — okay, you know in Korean food there's banchan, all the little side dishes?" she said.

From Salon

“We can try to understand what is going on. We can support people and families. We can and we will. It is like a barn raising.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a custom similar to an Amish barn raising, entire villages used to turn out during kimjang, helping one family make its kimchi before moving on to the next.

From New York Times