Discover the enchanting world of January with original music from Sam Lee, crafted just for this month. Explore the whimsical quest for jelly ear fungus and delve into the rich folklore surrounding winter's heartache. Uncover the cosmic dance of the cold moon while hearing tales of wassailing and the bond between two farming brothers. Unearth the origins of fragrance and its ancient rituals, showcasing the beauty of connecting with nature during this chilly season!
January's episode emphasizes the significance of weather folklore in predicting the year's climate, particularly through traditional observances like St Vincent's Day.
Listeners are encouraged to reconnect with nature by exploring wildlife insights such as the role of the pine marten in maintaining ecological balance.
Deep dives
Embracing the Seasonal Journey
The podcast marks the beginning of its fifth year by exploring the significance of the changing seasons, embracing elements of folklore, gardening, and wildlife. Each month, the host introduces listeners to new contributors, including Sam Lee, who will provide a unique musical arrangement inspired by traditional songs. In January, the focus shifts to weather folklore, allowing listeners to understand how specific days can predict the year’s climate, such as St Vincent's Day on the 22nd being a notable day for weather prophecies. The episodes aim to create a deeper connection to nature by sharing insights into gardening practices, such as the importance of pruning and the characteristics of winter orchards, setting the stage for the seasonal transitions ahead.
January's Unique Folklore and Traditions
January is portrayed as a month of reflection and tradition, emphasizing the role of lunar phases and weather lore in agricultural practices. The podcast features insights into weather forecasting methods, such as Las Cabanuelas from Spain, which allows individuals to predict the year’s weather based on the first twelve days of January. Additionally, it highlights significant days, such as St Paul’s Day, which foreshadows grains' pricing depending on the weather conditions. The storytelling around wassailing traditions enriches the month, reminding listeners to engage with nature and honoring trees for their contributions during the year.
Wildlife Insights and Foraging Practices
The episode also dives into the ecological aspects of January, particularly the daily life of the pine marten and its role in the ecosystem. This elusive mammal, which prefers forested areas, provides an essential balance in maintaining populations of grey squirrels while highlighting the ongoing conservation efforts facilitating their recovery. In addition, listeners are introduced to the edible jelly ear fungus found in ancient woodlands, with suggestions for incorporating it into delicious winter recipes. This focus on wildlife and foraging provides an avenue for listeners to reconnect with their environment while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity even in the depths of winter.
For our first episode of 2025, we are delighted to welcome this year's musician - the wonderful Sam Lee, who has composed a song for January especially for us. Zoe Gilbert begins the year looking for jelly ear fungus and wood wives. And our presenter Lia Leendertz tells a seasonal folk tale from Somerset.
'As the Season Turns' is a podcast created by Ffern in collaboration with the nature writer and author of the Seasonal Almanac, Lia Leendertz. Lia is joined by novelist Zoe Gilbert and folk musician Sam Lee. Sam's traditional song was arranged by himself (vocals) with James Keay (piano) and Niko O’Brien (percussion). The track was recorded and mixed by Niko. This podcast is produced by Geoff Bird and Catriona Bolt. Each episode, released on the first of the month, is a guide to what to look out for in the month ahead - from the sky above to the land below. Ffern is an organic fragrance maker based in Somerset. You can learn more about Ffern's seasonal eau de parfum at ffern.co
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