Traditions
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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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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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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 of the year, has long been a liminal moment – a doorway where one foot stands in spring and the other steps boldly into summer. If ever there was a…
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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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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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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.
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The folklore and superstitions surrounding blacksmiths and farriers add depth to their already fascinating history. They were not just makers of tools but shapers of stories protectors of homes and sometimes even magicians in the eyes of their communities.
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The Harvest Moon of 2024 is a time steeped in ancient superstition, rich folklore, and long-standing traditions. Falling on the 17th of September, this full moon is not just another lunar event—it’s a special marker in the cycle of the seasons, deeply woven into the fabric of agricultural and cultural practices across the world. As…
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Witch bells are a captivating remnant of folklore and superstition, embodying centuries-old beliefs about magic, protection, and the supernatural. These small, often beautifully crafted bells have a history that stretches back to a time when fear of witches and dark forces was pervasive, and they remain symbols of ancient practices and beliefs even today. The…
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In September, ancient traditions and celestial wonders collide, stirring reflections on the past and the mysteries of the changing seasons. Superstitions and folklore abound, and the harvest moon illuminates ancient rituals. This month, Mysterious Times brings new content and books to captivate and inspire, inviting us to embrace the magic of the season.
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The idea of Tree Months offers a deeply rooted and enchanting way to experience the year, marking time through the natural cycles of trees and their seasonal transformations. This approach reflects an ancient understanding of the close relationship between humans and the natural world, capturing the essence of each season through the presence and characteristics…
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Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, is a traditional Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated on August 1st. As one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals—alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane—Lughnasadh holds a special place in the rhythm of the agricultural year. Its name derives from Lugh, an important…
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These traditions humanize our relationship with nature, encouraging stewardship and mindfulness towards the environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to reap the benefits of a harmonious coexistence with the earth..
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Whether it’s solemn reflection or lively festivities, July has something for everyone. How do you celebrate? 😊
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Weasels, members of the Mustelidae family, are versatile carnivores found in various habitats. In folklore, they have been associated with both positive and negative omens in different cultures, serving as symbols of protection, cunning, and death. Weasels have been perceived as intermediaries between the living and supernatural, and are still influential in some cultural practices…
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This year it falls on a Tuesday, so everyone will be at work instead…
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Horses have been integral to human civilization for millennia, inspiring myths and legends across cultures, such as the tales of Pegasus and the Ashvins. Superstitions and traditions, like yabusame in Japan and the Kentucky Derby, reflect the diverse relationships between societies and horses. Their folklore offers insight into cultural heritage and human imagination.
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Leap year, occurring every four years, carries ancient origins and customs in various cultures. From Julius Caesar’s implementation to the tradition of women proposing to men, and the superstitions surrounding this anomaly, leap year also celebrates “leaplings” born on February 29th. Global celebrations mark this rare occurrence, reflecting the enduring power of folklore and human…