Category: Traditions

Saint Nicholas and the Legends of December 6th

Hairy beasts, weird lights and the smell of myrrh – oh my!

Skadi

When winter rolls in, so does Skadi, the Norse goddess who doesn’t do cozy. With a penchant for mountains over the sea, her marriage to Njord failed faster than you can say “frostbite.” So, embrace the chill, stomp through the snow, and remember – her fierce spirit is what keeps us from turning into ice lollies!

Giorria Sí – The Otherworldly Hare

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, […]

St Andrew’s Day – Saltire Skies, Winter Lore, and a Few Witchy Tricks for Luck

Late November in Scotland serves up pewter-grey skies, a dash of cold, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit denial as St Andrew’s Day rolls in, cloaked in national pride and strange rituals. From apple-peeling love divinations to baking bannocks, it’s a cozy affair reminding us to embrace the winter chill with a dram and a smile!

Old Fashioned Frost Rituals

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!

The Welsh Gwyllion

In Wales, the gwyllion, mischievous female mountain spirits, have an uncanny knack for leading travelers astray—think of them as your personal GPS malfunction, but spookier. Keep calm, offer snacks, and resist following strange women in fog. After all, cheese could be the key to navigating the Welsh wilderness, or at least to making new ghostly friends!

The Winter Hag

So, the rain’s taking a break, but winter’s on the way, making us think of the Winter Hag. This fierce yet funny figure from folklore teaches us about preparing for cold months through stories and rituals. Today, we still honor her with fairy lights, baked goodies, and a bit of weather chat.

The Legend of Stingy Jack – Shaping Modern Halloween Traditions.

This quirky tale of Stingy Jack, an Irish trickster whose antics led to the creation of the Jack-o’-Lantern, showcases the enduring influence of folklore on Halloween traditions. From deceiving the Devil to haunting the Earth with a makeshift lantern, Jack’s escapades blend whimsy and moral reflection, adding a playful spirit to our festive rituals.

The Liminal Space – Pre-Halloween Ponderings

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The Dumb Supper

They called it the dumb supper — not foolish, but silent. A meal served to the dead, or to whatever might answer the invitation. Somewhere between love charm and séance, it’s one of those eerie old traditions that lingers in the firelight as October draws its breath.

Marchleuch – The Light at the Edge

Tucked away in the wild sweep of the Scottish Borders lies Marchleuch—a quiet place of cottages, fields, and racing stables… and a light that walks the land when dusk falls. Locals don’t talk much, but the stories linger. A boundary place. A watching place. And the light? It’s still seen.

Threefold Terror – The Power and Mystery of Things That Come in Threes

They say things come in threes. But in the paranormal world, that isn’t always a comfort. From three knocks on the wall to triple scratches on the skin, let’s explore the strange, spooky, and symbolic power of threes in folklore, hauntings, and high strangeness…

The Winking Man of Leek

Up on the Staffordshire moors near Leek, something watches. Locals call it the Winking Man — a weather-carved stone face that seems to blink when no one’s looking. Strange sightings, old diary entries, and warnings from the past hint at more than just wind and rock. Is it legend, illusion, or something older? Come closer, if you dare.

The Hawthorn

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Medusa

Medusa was never the monster they made her out to be. Long before the snakes, before the stone, she was a priestess—violated, abandoned, and cursed by the very goddess she served. In modern witchcraft, she’s rising again – not as a villain, but as a protector, an avenger, and a sacred force for anyone who’s ever been silenced or blamed.

WTF Easter? – From Crucifixion to Chocolate Bunnies

Easter refuses to sit still. It shapeshifts with the times, wearing the clothes of whatever culture it passes through.

Cerealia – The Roman Spring Festival of Ceres

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Påskkärringar – Swedish Easter Witches.

In Sweden, Easter brings enchanting traditions like Easter witches and Påskris, adorned with colorful feathers. Children dress as witches, visit homes for treats, and enjoy påskbord feasts with pickled herring and sweet treats like semlor. Easter markets offer crafts and activities, preserving cultural heritage and bringing communities together in celebration of spring.

MT Roadtrip – Gretna Green

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The Haunting Tradition of the Sin Eater

The Sin Eater, a mysterious figure in British folklore, took on the sins of the deceased through a ritual that allowed the soul to pass unburdened into the afterlife. This grim, outcast role came with a heavy cost, leaving the Sin Eater forever marked by the sins they absorbed.

The Magic of the Rowan Tree in Celtic Lore

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.

Derbyshire’s Enchanting Fairy Tales

Derbyshire’s landscape is woven with tales of the Fair Folk. From the mischievous miners’ fairies to the enigmatic mermaid of Kinder Scout, these stories have been passed down through generations, adding a touch of magic to the region’s rich history.

Scottish Porridge – Folklore and Traditions

, the next time you sit down to a steaming bowl of porridge, take a moment to think about its rich history and the hands that stirred it before yours. Stir clockwise, add a pinch of salt, and savour not just the taste but the stories, superstitions, and spirit that make porridge a dish worthy of celebration.

Yule

Yule celebrates light’s return, blending ancient traditions, feasting, and lore with a deep connection to nature’s rhythms and renewal.

The 2024 Cold Moon: Embrace December’s Full Moon Traditions

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