Tag: Galanthus

February 4th – King of Frost Day

Witchy Comments & Graphics
February 4th – King of Frost Day

Prior to World War I, a fair was held on this day in London to honor the King of Frost. All the townspeople would gather on the Thames River, normally frozen over at this time, and petition the King of Frost to bring forth Spring. The festival died out during the war.

Along the Welsh border people continue to celebrate this day by gathering snowdrops, sometimes called Candlemas Bells. These bright flowers are tied into bundles and used to purify the hearth and home.

In Honor Of King Frost

Spring House Blessing

To encourage the return of Spring, tie a bunch of snowdrops with green ribbon and hang over the main entrance of your home as you repeat:

Candlemas Bells, snowdrops so white,
Cast away shadows, bring forth the light.
Enhanced by Zemanta

“Late February, and the air’s so balmy snowdrops and crocuses might be fooled into early blooming. Then, the inevitable blizzard will come, blighting our harbingers of spring, and the numbed yards will go back undercover. In Florida, it’s strawberry season— shortcake, waffles, berries and cream will be penciled on the coffeeshop menus.”
– Gail Mazur, The Idea of Florida During a Winter Thaw