This month's discussion dives into the rich tapestry of November traditions, from the ancient festival of Samhain to the salmon harvest celebrated by various cultures. They explore the captivating folklore around fire, including stories like the daring quest for fire led by Grandmother Spider. The haunting emotions of loss and longing for home add depth to the conversation. Musical interludes, like a moving song by The Breath, enhance the ambiance of this dark yet vibrant month filled with mystical tales and natural beauty.
November signifies the celebration of Samhain, marking the transition into winter with rich traditions and folklore surrounding nature's changes.
The month fosters communal spirit through festivities like Guy Fawkes Night, highlighting the symbolism of light amidst the seasonal darkness.
Deep dives
The Significance of Samhain
November marks the celebration of Samhain, an ancient festival that signifies the transition into winter. Originating from the pre-Christian Celtic calendar, Samhain represents a time when livestock was moved indoors and the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be particularly thin. The month’s name in various cultures, such as Samhain in Gaelic and blotmonath in Old English meaning 'blood month', reflects the traditions associated with slaughtering livestock for winter preservation. The rich folklore surrounding this time includes the gathering of food and rituals that reinforce the deep connection between people and the seasonal shifts in nature.
Nature's Adjustments in November
As November unfolds, nature begins its preparations for the winter months, showcasing the changing landscape in ancient woodlands. Deciduous trees shed their leaves to conserve energy, while evergreens gain prominence, creating a distinct visual contrast. Many animal species adapt their behaviors during this time; some, like hedgehogs and bats, enter true hibernation to survive the harsh conditions, while others may experience dormancy. The woodland ecosystem continues to buzz with activity as animals forage for the last bits of autumn's bounty, illustrating the urgency of preparation before the temperatures drop significantly.
Folklore and Traditions of November
November's folklore is enriched by time-honored traditions such as Guy Fawkes Night, which has evolved into a celebration of light amid the encroaching darkness. The night is filled with fireworks and bonfires that evoke both nostalgia and a sense of communal spirit. Stories from various cultures, such as the Hopi legend of Grandmother Spider bringing fire to the animals, highlight the importance of ingenuity and cooperation in overcoming challenges. Amidst these fires and festivals, the month also encourages reflections on the natural world, where the interplay of light and darkness resonates with deeper meanings and connections to history.
In November's episode we mark the old festival of Samhain, and the end of the harvest - while in our ancient woodland the animals, too, are saying goodbye to autumn. We explore the fire folklore that abounds at this time, from Guy Fawkes to Will o' the Wisps, and The Breath sing 'All That You Have Been', a song for this dark month. To lighten the dark Lia tells a tale of spiders and fire, traditional to the Hopi Nation.
'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 musicians Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum of The Breath. Geoff Bird produces and Catriona Bolt is Ffern's in-house production coordinator. 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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