The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, is a time rich with meaning, lore, and traditions spanning various cultures. Deities associated with […]
Category: Traditions
The Murder of the Scottish Pedlar
A murdered Scottish pedlar, a hidden cave, a haunted inn and a mystery that has endured for more than two centuries. We investigate the dark legend of Stoney Middleton’s Moon Inn and the ghost said to walk the dale to this day…
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The M.T. Almanac – June 2026
Ghosts, UFOs, Cryptids, Crop Circles and Curious Things…
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June.
June traditions in the United Kingdom blend ancient pagan rituals, Roman festivities, and celestial wonders to mark the transition into summer. The Summer Solstice, Midsummer, Litha, Roman festivals, saints’ days, and celestial events create a vibrant cultural tapestry. Local festivals and events showcase the region’s diversity, inviting all to celebrate nature’s rhythms.
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Tsuchinoko
In Japan, the tsuchinoko is a snake potentially three cocktails deep, slithering through folklore while dodging actual proof of existence.
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Cinco De Mayo
Have fun and enjoy the spirit of Cinco de Mayo while honouring Mexican heritage and culture – ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
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Bank Holiday Mondays – Modern Folklore in the Making.
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Thresholds
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Beltane
Let me tell you a tale about a time of fire, fertility, and a touch of the uncanny.. Beltane, that bright flicker on the wheel […]
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Walpurgisnacht
As April folds into May, the night of the 30th brings with it one of the most potent and curiously layered observances on the witch’s calendar…
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The May M.T Almanac
On the surface, it is all blossom, bank holidays, bright evenings and the first proper sense that Summer might actually be thinking about turning up. But underneath? Underneath, May has always had one foot in the uncanny…
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June Birthstone – Pearls
Pearls, the birthstone for June, are formed by mollusks as a protective response to irritants. Symbolizing purity and new beginnings, pearls have been treasured for their beauty and rarity. With historical significance as symbols of wealth and status, pearls continue to be valued in modern jewelry for their timeless beauty and versatility.
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Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday, originating in mid-Lent, allowed servants, often children, to return home to their “mother church” and families, fostering connection and love. While the 20th century morphed it into a commercial event akin to Mother’s Day, its essence remains about presence and honoring the nurturing roles in our lives.
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March 2026 Blood Moon: A Celestial Event
Get ready for a cosmic show on March 2-3, 2026, when the Moon goes all goth! Instead of disappearing, it’ll glow a spooky copper red during a lunar eclipse, proving that Earth’s shadow can be dramatic without the whole solar eclipse flair. Just don’t expect Europe to enjoy the show – sorry, folks!
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Burn’s Night
On this 25th of January, 2025, Welcome to Burn’s Night, and a special hello to our friends and family living in Scotland – we hope the Storms currently ravaging the country leave soon and doesn’t do too much damage to your lives.
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The Nice List is a Lie.
Winter Judges, Watchers & Why Christmas Was Never Soft
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The Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice feels kinda special, marked by that hush in the air. It’s not just about darkness; it’s about embracing it and lighting the way for the sun to return. Cultures celebrate with fires, rituals, and intentions, reminding us to honor the pause and recognize small lights in tough times.
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The Yule Lads
Good morning from Derbyshire! As we hustle for Christmas, let’s chat about the Yule Lads—thirteen quirky Icelandic mischievous visitors who remind us winter is all about managing chaos. Their antics include stealing food and sleep, ensuring we’re not just surviving the season, but embracing it, one outrageous character at a time!
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Frau Holle
Whether as a goddess, a fairy tale character, or a seasonal spirit, Frau Holle reminds us of the interconnectedness of life and the lasting power of myth. Her snowy feather beds, spinning wheels, and sacred wells are not just remnants of the past but living symbols that continue to inspire and enchant.
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Jólakötturinn – The Yule Cat
The modern Yule Cat is less likely to be feared and more likely to be appreciated as a quirky and fun part of Christmas festivities in Iceland. It’s a fascinating evolution of myth, from a creature that once embodied the dangers of laziness to one that now adds to the mystique and charm of Icelandic holiday traditions..
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By the Hearth’s Glow
Old Fire Lore, Winter Customs, and the Quiet Magic of Keeping Warm, just in case things are getting on top of you 💚
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Old Wives’ Tales – Nature’s Winter Weather Signals
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!
