We celebrated Candlemas, or Imbolc, yesterday for the second time. We added this lovely celebration to our yearly rhythm last year and very much looked forward to it this year.
This is a day to celebrate the first stirrings of Mother Earth as she awakens from under the deep cover of snow. It is a day to notice the birds returning and singing happily in the morning, and a time to start thinking about planting seeds in preparation for the coming growing season. It is recognizing the lengthening of the days and feeling the anticipation in the air of what is to come. It is coming out of hibernation with the knowledge that soon spring will be here and the rain will come and wash the earth clean.
Candles symbolize this day, and it is often a time to make candles that will be used throughout the year. We took time last week to decorate beeswax candles, and yesterday, after enjoying some time on the hiking trails witnessing the absolute beauty of winter, we made snow candles. They were so much fun to make, and looked lovely on my in-laws table at our family dinner last night.
Winter has been harsh this year, and we have been embracing it full force, but we are ready for spring. Ready for the freshness it brings and the light it will shower on us.
something so simple...melted wax, cold snow...beautiful. m.
ReplyDeleteWow! These images are beautiful - like winter wonderland, Reece looks so happy- what a fantastic way to make candles!!! Great idea Kim.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend :) It is a winter wonderland here right now and we are enjoying it.
Deletebeautiful photos and how clever to make candles in the snow.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to acknowledge the seasonal shift... Even if it does not feel at all like spring. Love the candles!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn. Totally doesn't feel like spring, but you know yesterday there was a shift in the air, you could feel the hope, at least I could. It was really lovely.
DeleteThis is wonderful! I'm going to put it in our calendar for next year. I love how bumpy the candles are underneath!
ReplyDeleteThanks KC! You should, it is a wonderful festival to celebrate.
DeleteKim, I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open in awe of your candle making. Making candles in the snow....how awesome is that?!! Well, now I have something else to add to my list to do when ever I am in snow again. Today we hit 80 degrees and next Monday we are only suppose to be in the a 40's.
ReplyDeleteAwe, thanks Tracey. It is pretty awesome and we had no idea how it would work out, so we were pretty excited about it. Those are some crazy temperature changes.
DeleteI love this post for so many reasons, love the winter woods and all that snow (l cannot even begin to imagine what it's like to live with so much snow), happy faces, embracing different seasons and all they have to offer, mother and son outdoors experimenting and being creative. So much awesomeness :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Chrisy :)
DeleteSo beautiful! I love the symbolism! What a lovely tradition xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Elisa xo
DeleteI never heard about Imbolc before but will research more. Sounds like a lovely tradition to add to a family calendar!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely, and so simple. I think that is what I like about all of these festivals, they are so very simple and beautiful.
Deleteoh, my, goodness! those candles...love them! :)
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