THE NORTH WIND SHALL BLOW AND WE SHALL HAVE SNOW....

Just a quick share of some photos, sent by friends, of the places I visited only a few days ago, now transformed by a sudden cold snap and the arrival of snow. Whilst I am very sorry to have missed this winter wonderland, there is a part of me that knows that it's so much nicer to look at than having to travel in.  Especially, in the UK, where all transportation seems to come to a grinding halt at the mere appearance of the first snowflake.  For a country that has had snow, pretty much EVERY year since man first inhabited Britain, you would think they would have a master plan in place by now? That aside, it's all rather stunningly beautiful, while it lasts.

GOOD IMBOLC

It is the ancient Pagan celebration of Imbolc (also known as the Christian festival of Candlemas).

If Imbolc be Fair & Bright, Winter will have another flight...

If Imbolc be Shower & Rain, Winter is gone and will not come again....

The First of February belongs to Brigid, (Brighid, Brigit, Bride,) the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally, her festival on February 1 was known as Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer over lights both pagan and Christian celebrations.

In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month.  In old Scotland, the month fell in the middle of the period known as Faoilleach, the Wolf-month; it was also known as a’ marbh mhiòs, the Dead-month.  But  although this season was so cold and drear, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: Lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.  

In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance. Of her, Alexander Carmichael wrote: 

Bride with her white wand is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead Winter and to bring him to open his eyes to the tears and the smiles, the sighs and the laughter of Spring. The venom of the cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride’s Day, and to flee for its life on Patrick’s Day.

Excerpt courtesy of www.thechalicecentre.net

Views of my old home at this time of year (complete with "For Sale" sign);  so very different to my view today - how does Imbolc 2012 look in your part of the world?

Side entance of our house and view of Slingsby Church, where the 14th Century Knight, Sir William Wyvill is buried

Front entrance to Prospect House & Prospect Cottage (our main house and guest cottage).

View of the ruins of Slingsby Castle. Our fruit & veggie garden was in the castle moat behind that hedge.