Until 1752, Twelfth Night was celebrated on Jan. 17. In 1752 the Gregorian calendar was adopted in England which changed the date for Twelfth Night to Jan. 6. For many communities Twelfth Night was a great night of celebration and harnessing the power of the season. Some communities still celebrate this holiday in the traditional way.
January, with a birthstone of garnet, is all about the color red and that includes red apples. The Wassail was is celebrated as part of the Twelfth Night and apple trees were traditionally sailed, or their good health hailed on this night. This was done in the hopes that it might bring a better crop at harvesting time. The celebration was a great night of fun and of giving praise to the trees that provided the apples.
In celebration the people would gather in an apple orchard in the evening and warm large vats of cider. Some of this cider was consumed by the people and some of the cider was poured on the roots of the trees in thanks. Before leaving the celebration the group would get together and make horrible noises to scare away any bad spirits. As an added sense of protection some would also wear or carry a garnet with them.
The garnet is far more than just a birthstone. The gem is known to emit its powers more strongly during January than any other time. The garnet is powerful and known for its protective energies at any time of the year but January is by far its most powerful time. Many people will charge their garnets during this month due to its powerful relationship.
Want more from this writer?
Follow her on Twitter, join her Facebook fan page, or send her an email with your thoughts or story ideas heather.marseillan@gmail.com
Comments