First Spring Light
February 1-2
Similar Celebrations: Imbolc, Groundhog Day, Candlemas, Brigid, Dísablót
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Recipes:
Food for a low key celebration or Festive Gathering: Caramelized Pepper Brie Potato Pancakes with Applesauce from last year’s harvest Lemon Vanilla Dutch Baby served with Berry Sauce Split pea soup, Lentil Soup with Lemon, or Potato Leek Soup served with toasted Three Seed Bread Savory Cheese Pie To drink:
Champagne or Prosecco Sparkling water with splash of lemon |
About This holiday:
First Spring 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. In many places, this is the coldest part of winter, yet the days are beginning to grow longer and the strength of the sun is growing. We feel the earth begin to stir beneath us. It is that moment when Father Winter, coat wrapped tight against the north wind, stops his trek into the depth of darkness, feels a whisper from the south and turns for his long journey out of the cold. First Spring Light is the time when our deep winter dreams begin to reach our conscious mind. 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 to renew our ongoing projects. The food for this holiday focuses on the abundance ahead. In many areas the ewes are lambing. So on the farms, the menu would often be centered around sheep milk. In some areas the chickens begin produce eggs again, so dishes like potato pancakes and crepes are very timely. Seeded breads are baked to symbolize a successful spring planting. Root vegetables would be brought out of storage to add to the feeling of abundance. Bubbly drink can be served to symbolize the energy beginning to rise from the Land as well as within ourselves. |