Nature
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Harvest rituals like ‘Crying the Neck’ in Devon and Cornwall celebrate gratitude as farming communities mark the end of the harvest. It’s a mix of old customs and modern appreciation for agricultural roots.
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Scarecrows used to be harmless protectors of crops, but now they creep us out and star in horror stories. Still, towns celebrate them in festivals, showing their quirky charm and creativity.
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John Barleycorn has been cut down, drowned and burned for centuries. But behind this brutal old folk song lies a much older story of harvest, sacrifice and rebirth…
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Corn dollies are intricate straw creations from harvest traditions, symbolizing good fortune and community. They represent the blend of craftsmanship, belief, and the important relationship between people and the land.
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Lammas, or Lughnasadh, marks the first harvest, symbolizing survival and community. Celebrated with bread offerings and gatherings, it intertwines gratitude for nature’s bounty with ancient customs, transitioning towards autumn.
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This week’s short story on Sunday tells the tale of a fully trained agricultural contractor, who quickly finds out that the ‘old ways’ can sometimes be the right way too.
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The real woodland behind Shakespeare’s greatest prophecy..
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The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest has captivated hearts for centuries, intertwining history and folklore. As it nears the end of its life, the deep connection people feel for this ancient tree reflects not just its grandeur but also the profound role it has played in our collective imagination. Saying goodbye feels like parting with…
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The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest has stood for perhaps a thousand years, becoming one of Britain’s most beloved folkloric landmarks. With news that the ancient giant has finally died, we reflect on the life, legacy and enduring mythology of England’s greatest folkloric witness. 🌳💚
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The world is filled with optical illusions that captivate the human eye and mind, and among them, the Fata Morgana phenomenon stands as one of the most mesmerizing. From ghostly ships on the horizon to cities in the sky, Fata Morgana has fueled myths, legends, and illusions across diverse cultures.
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Ah, winter in England – where rain’s got commitment issues and snow’s more elusive than a good Wi-Fi connection. As grandpas sniff for snow omens and cows lounge like royalty, we cling to old superstitions, hopeful. Will this be the year when snow finally shows up and not just a coy tease? Stay tuned!
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There’s an old belief whispered across Ireland and carried over into pockets of the British Isles, that hares are never quite what they seem. Elegant, twitch-nosed and fleet as shadows, yes. But also watchers, messengers, little furry gatekeepers slipping between our world and the Otherworld on moonlit nights. Today, as the year leans into its…
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Jack Frost, a beloved figure of winter folklore, embodies the icy beauty and harshness of the season. Often seen as a playful spirit, his roots trace back to Icelandic frost giants of Norse mythology…
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Winter’s icy grip once turned us into ritual conjurers, from whistling at frost to dancing barefoot on chilly grass. Now, we just mutter at our car windows, hoping for less slipping and more gripping. Good luck staying upright!
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Thunderstorms aren’t something to fear – they’re a sign the Thunderbird is flying. A guardian older than stone, watching over the storm.
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Whether you’re into saints and sinners, UFOs or cryptids, ancient rituals or religious reverence, 2nd May has something eerie up its sleeve for everyone.
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The rowan tree’s reputation has survived centuries, its role shifting slightly with each new generation but never truly fading. It remains a symbol of protection, of wisdom, of the balance between worlds.
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But, as much as science can explain the colours we’re seeing, there’s something undeniably magical about a red sunset
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As we gaze up at the bright orb illuminating the night sky, we can draw inspiration from the stories of those who have come before us, carrying forth the legacy of the Hunter’s Moon into our own lives.
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Mountains became the resting places of fallen giants, hills their burial mounds, and immense boulders the remnants of their legendary battles.
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In every form, water holds a deep and sacred place in the craft. Its role in witchcraft is multifaceted, offering both practical and spiritual uses.
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Swan maidens are mythological figures found in various folk traditions, particularly in Northern European, Slavic, and Asian cultures. They are often portrayed as supernatural women who can transform between human and swan form by wearing or removing a magical feathered cloak or swan skin. The swan maiden legend revolves around themes of love, freedom, and…
