Another ancient holdover
animal holiday tradition, this one Celtic. It survives in Wales. Although I only encountered it tonight, it has for many years been part of our decorations to put Christmas ornaments for eyes into the bovine rather than equine skulls decorating the walls. It’s festive, even without the ribbons and riddles.
The Mari Lywd plays a major role in Susan Coopper's novel _Silver on the Tree_, part of the Dark is Rising series. She drew heavily from English and Welsh mythology and folklore. It's a wonderful series of books for younger readers (and adults), although the first one takes a bit to get into.
ReplyDelete"When the Dark comes rising/Six shall turn it back./ Three from the temple/Three from the track..."
LittleRed1
Love that music. It touches the melancholy in me.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading a couple books of the Dark is Rising Series when I was in grade school, and really enjoyed them. I checked to see if they were still on the shelf a couple years ago when the kids were still in that same school, and indeed they were still there! I need to order that set and finish the series.