After the quiet introspection of St Agnes’ Eve (read about this in last week’s blog post), rural England used to erupt into something far wilder in mid-January. Forget silent cakes; we’re talking about shouting, singing, gunfire, and cider-soaked toast in the branches of apple trees (here in England, cider is always alcoholic, so this was…
As the days slowly lengthen and the deep midwinter grips England, there’s one night where superstition takes centre stage: St Agnes’ Eve, on January 20th. This wasn’t just another cold winter night; it was historically believed to be a powerful time for young women to glimpse their future love. The reason I’m especially interested in…
As the last echoes of Christmas fade and the New Year celebrations become a distant memory, spare a thought for those returning to the fields. The first Monday after Twelfth Night (or Epiphany) marks Plough Monday in England—a day steeped in ancient customs, signalling the return to agricultural labour after the long Christmas break. While…
As the decorations come down and the final embers of the Yule log fade, we reach the “Grand Finale” of the festive season: Twelfth Night and Epiphany. In England, this has historically been a time of boisterous celebration, role-reversal, and one last magnificent feast before the reality of winter sets in. For a mystery lover,…