Holidays and Observances |
DID YOU KNOW:
LAMMAS DAY (AUGUST 1): Derived from the Old English hlaf maesse, meaning "loaf mass," Lammas Day marked the beginning of the harvest. Traditionally, loaves of bread were baked from the first-ripened grain and brought to the churches to be consecrated. Eventually, "loaf mass" became "Lammas." In Scotland, Lammastide fairs became famous as the time when trial marriages could be made. These marriages could end after a year with no strings attached.
DOG DAYS (JULY 3-AUGUST 11): These are the hottest and most unhealthy days of the year. Also known as Canicular Days, their name derives from the Dog Star, Sirius. The traditional 40-day period of Dog Days coincides with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of Sirius.
CAT NIGHTS BEGIN (AUGUST 17): This term harks back to the days when people believed in witches. An Irish legend says that a witch could turn into a
cat and regain herself eight times, but on the ninth time, August 17, she couldn't change back, hence
the saying: "A cat has nine lives." Because
August is a "yowly" time for cats, this may have initially prompted the speculation about witches on the prowl.
cat and regain herself eight times, but on the ninth time, August 17, she couldn't change back, hence
the saying: "A cat has nine lives." Because
August is a "yowly" time for cats, this may have initially prompted the speculation about witches on the prowl.
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