The town of Pomeiocc (1590) by Johann Theodor de Bry, from Briefe and True Report.

Source: Harvard University

Available to buy as a print.

https://pdimagearchive.org/images/b2195e3c-f697-4276-a912-77d6e85e23cd

#towns #settlements #circles #romans #buildings #fences #british-america #native-americans #bonfires #colonial-america #art #publicdomain

Remember, remember the fifth of #November.

#Mnastodon #bonfires #lakelife

air quality

https://u3a.social/display/c66bfb1b-1369-0661-701d-a01508851002

St. Martin’s Day

This is also called Martinmas or Martlemas. It’s historically called Old Halloween or All Hallows Eve.

This is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin of Tours was the 3rd Bishop of Tours. He’s the patron saint of many communities & organizations across Europe, including France’s Third Republic. It was celebrated in the liturgical year on November 11.

During the Middle Ages & early modern period, it was an important festival in many parts of Europe. Particularly in Germanic-speaking countries. In these areas, it started at the end of the harvest season, the beginning of the cold season, & the “winter revelling season.”

Traditions include feasting on goose or beef, drinking the first wine of the season, & mumming. Mumming is groups of men & women from the medieval to early modern era who are dressed in fantastical clothes, & costumes, & serenaded people outside their houses, or joined the party inside. Costumes varied including bears, deer, rams, or unicorns.

In some German & Dutch-speaking towns, there are processions of kids with lanterns (Laternelaufen), sometimes led by a horseman representing St. Martin. The saint was also said to bestow gifts to kids. In the Rhineland, it’s also marked by lighting bonfires.

Traditionally, in many parts of Europe, St. Martin’s Day marked the end of the harvest & the beginning of winter. The feast dovetails with the end of the Octave of Allhallowtide.

Martinmas was when livestock was slaughtered for winter supplies. Goose is eaten at Martinmas in most places. There’s a legend that St. Martin, when trying to avoid being ordained a bishop, hid in pin of geese whose noise gave him away.

In the wine growing regions of Europe, the first wine was ready around the time of Martinmas. St. Martin is widely credited in France with helping to spread winemaking throughout the region of Tours (Touraine) & facilitating vine-planting. He’s also credited with introducing the Chenin blanc grape. Most of the wine of western Touraine & Anjou is made from these grapes.

In the Rhineland region of Germany, bonfires are lit on St. Martin’s Eve. In the 15th century, the bonfires were so many that the festival got the nickname: Funkentag (Spark Day). In the 19th century, it was recorded that young people danced around the fire & leapt through the flames. The ashes were strewn on the fields to make them fertile.

In some German & Dutch-speaking towns, there are nighttime processions of kids carrying paper, or turnip, lanterns & singing songs of St. Martin.

In parts of Flanders & the Rhineland, processions are led by a man on horseback representing St. Martin. This man on horseback may give out apples, nuts, cakes, or other sweets to the kids.

In Ypres, kids hung up stockings filled with hay on Martinmas Eve. They woke up the next morning to find gifts in the stockings. The gifts were said to have been left by St. Martin was thanks for the fodder provided for his horse.

In the Swabia & Ansbach regions of Germany, a character called Pelzmarten (‘pelt Martin” or “skin Martin”) appeared at Martinmas until the 19th century. With a black face & wearing a cow bell, he ran about scaring the kids & he gave out “blows” as well as nuts & apples.

In the 6th century, church councils began requiring fasting on all days, except on Saturdays & Sundays, from St. Martin’s Day to the Epiphany on January 6 (That’s 56 days.). Elsewhere, the Feast of the Three Wise Men for the stopping of the star over Bethlehem.

An addition to & equal to the 40 days of Lent, given its weekend breaks, this was called Quadragesima Sancti Mantini (St. Martin’s Lent or literally “the 40th of”). This is rarely observed now.

This period was shortened to begin on the Sunday before December & became the current Advent within a few hundred years. In the Archdiocese of Milan according to Ancient Ambrosian Liturgical usage the feast of St. Martin is followed by the First Sunday in the Advent (the 6-week period) is still used in this large Diocese & the Churches outside it, such as in Ticino (Switzerland) that do still use the Ambrosian Liturgy.

In the United States, St. Martin’s Day celebrations are uncommon. But are usually held by German-American communities. Many German restaurants feature a traditional menu with goose & Gluhwein (a mulled red wine). St. Paul Minnesota celebrates with a traditional lantern procession around Rice Park. The evening includes German treats & traditions that highlight the season of giving. In Dayton, Ohio, the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner organization hosts a St. Martin’s Family Celebration on the weekend with an evening lantern parade to the singing of St. Martin’s carols, followed by a bonfire.

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#15thCentury #19thCentury #6thCentury #Advent #AllHallowsEve #Allhallowtide #AmrosianLiturgy #AncientAmbrosianLiturgical #Anjou #Ansbach #ArchdioceseOfMilan #Beef #Bethlehem #Bonfires #CheninBlancGrapes #DaytonLiederkranzTurner #Diocese #Dutch #Epiphany #Europe #FeastOfTheThreeWiseMen #Festival #Flanders #France #FranceSThirdRepublic #Funkentag #Germanic #Germany #Gluhwein #Goose #Horseman #January6 #Lanterns #Laternelaufen #Lent #Martinmas #MartinmasEve #Martlemas #Medieval #MiddleAges #Minnesota #Mumming #November11 #Octave #Ohio #OldHalloween #Pelzmarten #QuadragesimaSanctiMantini #Rhineland #RicePark #SparkDay #StMartinOfTours #StMartinSDay #StMartinSEve #StMartinSLent #StPaul #Stockings #Swabia #Switzerland #Ticino #Touraine #Tours #TurnipLantern #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #wine #Ypres

Crisp air, cozy layers, and firepit nights! 🍂
Sharing my fall favorites that keep the season just the right amount of cozy—oversized sweaters, fleece blankets, and more!

Check it out below!

#FallFavorites #CozySeason #NevadaCounty #AmazonFinds #ittybitty4life #sweaterweather #cozyclothes #firepits #bonfires

http://ittybitty4life.com/2025/09/25/fall-favorites-cozy-must-haves-for-the-season/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=jetpack_social

No #terrorism here this is all good clean family fun. Oh no no you see "terrorism" is when peace activists criticise #genocide or daub paint on weapons of death to protest them. Oh yeah and when anyone criticises #Israel in even the mildest way or hurts the feelings of #genocidaires and those who facilitate them.

The imperialist leopard never changes its spots. Abusers support one another.

#Loyalism #bonfires #IsraelWarCrimes #IsraelTerroristState #UK #Migration
#Refugees
#NorthernIreland

Imbolc 2025

Celebrating Imbolc 2025: A Festival of Light and Renewal

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Imbolc is a cherished festival with deep roots in ancient traditions. It marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, Imbolc heralds the arrival of spring and symbolizes the return of light after the long, dark winter months. In 2025, Imbolc will be celebrated on February 1st.

Historical Significance

Imbolc comes from the Old Irish word “imbolg,” meaning “in the belly.” This signifies when ewes start to lactate and heralds the start of the agricultural year. This festival is often linked to Brigid. She is the goddess of fertility, healing, and poetry. Brigid embodies the themes of fire and light. As the days grow longer, Imbolc reminds us of the impending renewal of life. It also signals the awakening of the earth.

Rituals and Traditions

Imbolc is rich with rituals and activities that honor the returning light and the goddess Brigid. Here are some common practices:

• **Lighting Candles**: To symbolize the increasing light, it’s customary to light candles or a bonfire. This act serves as a way to invite warmth and illumination into your home.
• **Brigid’s Cross**: Crafting a Brigid’s Cross from rushes or straw is a traditional practice. This cross is hung in the home for protection and blessings.
• **Purification Rituals**: Many celebrate Imbolc by performing purification rituals, such as cleansing their homes with sage or water, symbolizing the removal of negativity and welcoming new energy.
• **Feasting**: Preparing and sharing a special feast with seasonal foods, such as dairy products, grains, and root vegetables, is a way to honor the earth and its gifts.
• **Brigid’s Bed**: Some create a special place for Brigid, often a bed adorned with white cloth and flowers, symbolizing her presence and blessings in the household.
• **Nature Walks**: As the first signs of spring begin to appear, a nature walk can be a beautiful way to connect with the earth and observe the emerging life.

Correspondences

Understanding the correspondences associated with Imbolc can enhance your celebration. Here are some key elements to consider:

• **Elements**: Fire and Water. Fire symbolizes inspiration and purification, while water represents the renewal of life.

• **Colors**: White, red, and green. These colors represent purity, fertility, and the budding earth.

• **Herbs and Plants**: Snowdrops, crocuses, and other early-blooming flowers are associated with Imbolc. Herbs like rosemary, mint, and thyme can also be used in rituals.

• **Stones**: Clear quartz, amethyst, and garnet are stones that resonate with the energy of Imbolc, promoting clarity and protection.

Conclusion

Imbolc is a beautiful celebration of light, renewal, and the promise of spring. As we gather to honor traditions, perform rituals, and connect with nature, we invite the warmth and growth of the coming season into our lives. Whether you choose to light candles, craft a Brigid’s Cross, or simply enjoy a feast with loved ones, Imbolc is a time to reflect on the light within and the potential that lies ahead in the year to come. Embrace this magical festival, and let the spirit of Imbolc inspire you!

🌛⭐️🌜

Imbolc Ritual for 2025

**Preparation:**

1. **Set the Space:** Choose a quiet space where you can perform the ritual. Cleanse the area by burning sage or sprinkling salt water.

2. **Gather Supplies:**

• A candle (preferably white or yellow)

• A small bowl of water

• A representation of Brigid (such as a statue, picture, or a handmade Brigid’s cross)

• Flowers or greenery (like snowdrops or willow branches)

• Incense (optional)

• A journal and pen

🌟

**Ritual Steps:**

1. **Create an Altar:**

• Place the candle in the center of your altar.

• Surround it with the flowers or greenery.

• Position the representation of Brigid and the bowl of water nearby.

2. **Light the Candle:**

• As you light the candle, say a few words of intention, such as: 

     “As the light returns, so does hope and renewal. I honor Brigid and invite her blessings into my life.”

3. **Invoke Brigid:**

• Take a moment to meditate on Brigid’s qualities: healing, poetry, and the forge. You may choose to recite a prayer or poem dedicated to her.

4. **Water Blessing:**

• Dip your fingers into the bowl of water and sprinkle a few drops around your space, symbolizing purification and new beginnings. You can say:

     “With this water, I welcome renewal and clarity into my life.”

5. **Set Intentions:**

• Write down your intentions or goals for the upcoming season in your journal. Focus on what you want to nurture and bring to fruition. 

   – Once you’ve written them down, hold the paper over the candle flame (safely) to symbolize releasing your intentions into the universe.

6. **Closing:**

• Thank Brigid for her presence and guidance. Extinguish the candle, knowing that the light continues to grow as the days lengthen.

• If you like, you can keep the candle as a focus for your intentions throughout the season.

7. **Feasting:**

• Celebrate with a small meal or snack that includes dairy (symbolizing the lactating ewes), bread, and seasonal vegetables. 

This ritual can be adjusted to fit your personal beliefs and practices. Enjoy the warmth and renewal that Imbolc brings!

#Bonfires #BookOfShadows #CandleMagick #Celebrations #Correspondence #Elements #Imbolc #Magic #Magick #Pagan #Ritual #Sabbats

In JUST ONE MONTH I'll be launching my #ecofantasy #novel #CityOfDancingGargoyles from SFWP

Here's where I'll be on the West Coast, East Coast, and online

And of course you can always preorder at http://www.taracampbell.com

#gargoyles #climatechange #scifi #fantasy #alchemy #foundfamily #wolves #dragons #postapocalyptic #quest #roadtrip #magicians #banshees #robots #trees #ghosts #libraries #devils #bonfires #ottomans #dinosaurs #kudzu #jellyfish