It's the penultimate day of our Imbolc celebrations... and it's a very busy today! Lots of festivities planned to mark the season!
Winter in the Woods
This morning, I was at a Winter in the Woods celebration, run by Natalie Rossiter. We had a forest bathing session, then a delicious soup around the fire and marshmallows for toasting. Afterwards, we burned the last of the Yuletide greenery, and Natalie gave us all a little token from her garden to remind us that spring is on the way.
Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special
My Hannah's Bookshelf Imbolc Special aired on North Manchester FM this afternoon. As I was out and about a lot today, I had to pre-record the show, but there was seasonal flash fiction and Imbolc-themed music.
Wassailing at Chorlton Park
Later in the afternoon, I went to Chorlton Park for the Friends of Chorlton Park's annual wassailing. We had parkin, mulled wine and flapjacks, and we all went to sing and bang our pots and pans to wake the apple trees up in the community orchard for another year. I also bought a little crocheted forget-me-not as another reminder that spring will come again.
Imbolc Lanterns
Imbolc is a festival of light, so Rob made some little Imbolc candle holders for us, decorated with snowdrops and bonfire flames.
Imbolc Dinner
And then we had our traditional Imbolc dinner of meatloaf and spring onion mash.
Imbolc Gifts
We exchanged our traditional Imbolc gifts tonight... little seasonal-inspired whiskies that will start off our tasting sets that we'll enjoy at Christmas.
Groundhog Day
We ended the evening watching the traditional film of the season... it's Groundhog Day!
