First Spring Light
February 1-2
Similar Celebrations: Imbolc, Groundhog Day, Candlemas, Brigid, Dísablót
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SAVORY:
Caramelized Pepper Brie Fettuccine Alfredo with Prosciutto Fondue Potato Pancakes with Applesauce Lemon Vanilla Dutch Baby served with Berry Jam Savory Cheese Pie Scalloped Potatoes Split Pea Soup or Potato Leek Soup with toasted Three Seed Bread |
SWEET:
Almond Carmel Cake Almond Cream Buns Baked Custard Banana Cream Pie Currant Raisin Scones Fried Banana with Coconut ice-cream Lemon Bars Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins |
DRINKS:
Champagne or Prosecco Sparkling water with splash of lemon |
ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY
First Spring Lighe is the coldest part of winter in many places, yet the days are growing longer and the sun’s strength is growing. We feel the earth begin to stir beneath us. It is a time when the faintest hint of movement nudges the season toward change. The land stirs ever so slightly from its winter slumber and slowly reaches toward spring.
It is the time when our deep winter dreams begin to reach our conscious minds. Concepts move easily from the subconscious and begin to take shape in the conscious mind. New ideas come into focus, and we sense fresh energy renewing our ongoing projects. It Light was traditionally a time for weather divination, as the farmers were trying to plan for the growing season ahead. The question being how much winter is left and when is the right time to sow the crops? We see remnants of this tradition in today’s Groundhog Day celebrations.
The food for this holiday focuses on the abundance ahead. In many areas, the ewes are lambing, and the chickens begin producing eggs again, so dishes like potato pancakes and crepes are very timely. Seeded breads are a nice way to symbolize a successful spring planting. Carbonated drinks can be served to represent the energy beginning to rise from the land as well as within ourselves.
It is the time when our deep winter dreams begin to reach our conscious minds. Concepts move easily from the subconscious and begin to take shape in the conscious mind. New ideas come into focus, and we sense fresh energy renewing our ongoing projects. It Light was traditionally a time for weather divination, as the farmers were trying to plan for the growing season ahead. The question being how much winter is left and when is the right time to sow the crops? We see remnants of this tradition in today’s Groundhog Day celebrations.
The food for this holiday focuses on the abundance ahead. In many areas, the ewes are lambing, and the chickens begin producing eggs again, so dishes like potato pancakes and crepes are very timely. Seeded breads are a nice way to symbolize a successful spring planting. Carbonated drinks can be served to represent the energy beginning to rise from the land as well as within ourselves.