yesterday was candlemas, or 'Latha Fheill Bride' in Scotland. it is the celebration when the light is welcomed back in after the deepest darkest winter nights have passed.
its origins, like that of so many Christian festivals, lie in the old ancient and pagan beliefs and tales.On this day, many moons ago, Pluto stole Proserpine. her mother Ceres searched for her with broken heart and lighted candles. thus we carry candles on this day.
there is a wee belief that on this day and this day alone, the wolves come out from their lairs and measure up the season. if it be pleasing onto them, they emerge, hungry and eager. if they cower back in fear at the elements, winter is only just begun . . . i only saw one wolf this candlemas and he was definitely cowering in our lair . . .
4 comments:
this is so much cooler than America/Canada's Groundhog day!
This is so much cooler than America/canada's Groundhog Day.
i like this tradition so much more than our groundhog day. wolves are so much more interesting than woodchucks!
what an amazing tradition. i had never heard of it before. also, those lanterns = gorgeous :)
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