Description

Ribbons – Ribbons and weaving almost go hand in hand. Whether in a summer handfasting ceremony, folded in the making of Brigid’s crosses for Imbolc or as bread dough, woven together in a Lammas loaf, ribbons and weaving are everywhere. We have learned from the birds how to weave strong baskets to carry precious things. We use ribbons to create floral crowns and strongly woven ribbon to find “the measure of a man”. At this time of the year the most popular use of ribbons is while dancing and weaving the Maypole.

Spring Flowers – Daffodil and Tulip for Mother’s Day, May Day and Beltane. The first flowers of spring are here. The sun is returning and there is life renewing itself everywhere in nature. Flowers and bees are at work spreading the pollen that makes the flora world go round. Hearts and flowers make a lovely combination for telling anyone you care.

Turning of the Wheel –  representing eight celebration days in agrarian life and their relationship to the sun, eight points of flame, repeatedly cycling through the seasons of the year. Summer solstice is the pinnacle of the cycle after which the light starts to fade away again towards darkness.

Wreath – Warm summer days with time outside to gather flowers from the wild fields. Mugwort, Lavender and St. John’s Wort are classic summer solstice flowers. Healers in ancient Europe believed that the healing energies of these plants were at their highest on the summer solstice, when they were gathered for drying. All sorts of fresh flowers were woven together to create headdresses for the celebration of the longest day of the year.