Marking the traditional beginning of the agricultural year, Plough Monday, observed on the first Monday after Epiphany, offers a vivid insight into England’s rural past. With roots stretching back to…
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Twelfth Night, the traditional end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, is a captivating and often overlooked celebration rooted in medieval English customs. With a legacy woven through centuries of…
As Tree Dressing Day draws near, it can be interesting to ask ourselves this question: have you ever looked at a tree and seen more than just wood and leaves?…
Advent calendars. They are everywhere at this time of year. From the classic chocolate ones in their various flavours and colours, to the more modern and inventive ones of tea,…
At the heart of English tradition lies wassailing, an ancient and joyful custom that marks the New Year with blessings, music, and communal cheer. Rooted in folklore and evolving through…
What are your plans for New Year’s? Watching the fireworks? Counting down the year with a glass of champagne in hand? New Year’s celebrations have changed dramatically over the centuries,…
How do you celebrate Christmas? Most, if not all, families will have their Christmas traditions; the food they eat, the family members they see, the church services they attend, the…
In the Ritual Year, the year is divided into the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn. This roughly maps onto the monthly divisions too. Winter is December, January, February; Spring…
How do you celebrate Christmas? You might have traditions that are unique to you and your family, your cultural heritage or national identity. In Britain, Christmas as we know it…
For our ancestors, the harvest was not just a period of gathering crops—it was the lifeline that ensured survival through the harsh winter months. The harvest season was the pinnacle…
Plough Monday With references dating back to the late 15th century, Plough Monday was generally the first Monday to fall after Epiphany on the 6th January. Following the close of…
Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany Eve, falls on the 5th January and is the end of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas. Decorations were taken down, and it was…
