The Everyday Lore Project

1 November 2020 – Samhain

1 November 2020 – Samhain

I might have slightly overdone it yesterday with the old folklore. I managed 7½ out of my 11 Halloween tasks, and cabbage leaf update: I did dream of someone, but I can’t quite picture him. I just remember it was complicated. If you didn’t manage to pop back during the day, the results of my endeavours are under each task here.

So, given the effort yesterday, I took it more gently today. As well as it being All Saints’/All Hallows Day, it’s the second and last day of Samhain, pronounced sow (as in cow) -in, and marking the start of the darker half of the year. It’s a Gaelic festival which is also part of the Pagan Wheel of the Year, and the beginning of the Celtic New Year. Yes, it’s New Year’s Day again. I really should have started an Everyday Lore drinking game on this.

But as I needed a quiet one, today was all about the weather, for it is said (as I listen to the howling gale pelting rain against my windows) All Hallows Summer starts today. Yes, it’s summer again. Despite Samhain meaning end of summer. There’s also this handy proverb forecasting Christmas based on Allhallowtide weather:

If ducks do slide at Hollantide, at Christmas they will swim;
If ducks do swim at Hollantide, at Christmas they will slide.

Judging by the amount of water fallen from the sky, I’m thinking the ducks are definitely swimming this Hollantide. Looks like Yule will definitely be cool.

I’ll get my coat. 

Oh, and don’t forget to catch up on this month’s #FolkloreFOMO post – I still need help filling my folklore quota for the month! Happy New Year!


The Everyday Lore Project has been running since St Distaff’s Day on 7 January 2020 and will run until 12th Night on 6 January 2021. Every day I’ve been plugging away at posting folklore, and so far I’ve managed it. Sometimes twice a day when I’m feeling masochistic. Given the days are getting darker both literally and figuratively, it would be lovely boost if you could subscribe for these last couple of months, and/or share my posts. And if the mood takes you, offer up some folklore for me to try.

Resources

Header: Photo by Andrew Wulf on Unsplash

Cooper, Q. and Sullivan, P. (1994) Maypoles, Martyrs & Mayhem: 366 Days of British Myths, Customs & Eccentricities, London, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

https://www.newgrange.com/samhain.htm

Published by Liza Frank

Author of My Celebrity Boyfriend. Obsessed with hula hooping, sons of preachermen and fresh dates, sometimes all at the same time. Curator of Folklore Agony and The Everyday Lore Project.

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