Michaelmas is one of my favorites. Loved your thoughts on the day's paradoxes. We celebrated a bit early this year with all kinds of dragon stories and dragon bread. Sadly the wild (abandoned?) blackberry bush in our backyard was picked clean almost a month ago. My hopes of a berry dessert were dashed, but also quite happy the birds enjoyed a tasty feast.
I'm so glad these thoughts resonated with you! And yay for all the wonderful dragon connections...between Michaelmas and St. George's Day, those traditions are some of our kids' favorites.
Our blackberries are usually totally done by now, too! Weirdly - maybe because of a cooler August? - they fruited later, so we actually have some. Not many...but I'm shocked! I'm glad your local birds enjoyed a Michaelmas feast anyway!
What a wonderful, meaningful connection! I’d love to hear more about Orthodox Michaelmas traditions…I know very little, but have read a bit about the November dating.
I love this so much, Kristin. I've been feeling this too - how to balance the fear and the sadness with beauty and faith. Every word was nourishing. ❤️
I'm so glad you're enjoying the journey! I feel the same way. When I stumbled into the liturgical calendar, it was like a whole beautiful world opened up!
Iris and I love dragons and Knights stories, and especially the Red Cross Knight who may well have his beginnings in St Michael the Archangel. She and I also have an ongoing story of a friendly dragon called Chanta who loves in the forest near a beach, close to our house. We make up stories about her but act as if they are real and come true. Iris even asked if her dragon had some to see my mum, her GiGi, die recently and be buried. There is something supernatural but deeply personal that lies rooted in each of us and calls to ritual as an explanation for the things that happen in life. A friendly dragon keeping an eye on a little girl and her Grandma as they participate in the memorial of a life is as beautiful a thought as what she said today when she saw a rainbow - "Grandma, that means God keeps His promises!" As you say, it is about participating in the darker months/the darker side of life with bravery. Like us, through traditions and stories, Iris is learning to lean into those truths to keep her steady. May it keep you steady too!
Michaelmas is one of my favorites. Loved your thoughts on the day's paradoxes. We celebrated a bit early this year with all kinds of dragon stories and dragon bread. Sadly the wild (abandoned?) blackberry bush in our backyard was picked clean almost a month ago. My hopes of a berry dessert were dashed, but also quite happy the birds enjoyed a tasty feast.
I'm so glad these thoughts resonated with you! And yay for all the wonderful dragon connections...between Michaelmas and St. George's Day, those traditions are some of our kids' favorites.
Our blackberries are usually totally done by now, too! Weirdly - maybe because of a cooler August? - they fruited later, so we actually have some. Not many...but I'm shocked! I'm glad your local birds enjoyed a Michaelmas feast anyway!
My Heavenly Patron is the Holy Archangel Michael, and while in my Orthodox tradition, his Feast isn't until November, I love Michaelmas traditions.
What a wonderful, meaningful connection! I’d love to hear more about Orthodox Michaelmas traditions…I know very little, but have read a bit about the November dating.
A lovely and delightful read! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much, Denise! I'm so glad you enjoyed :) Michaelmas is a really special time to me (like so many other holidays, haha!)
I love this so much, Kristin. I've been feeling this too - how to balance the fear and the sadness with beauty and faith. Every word was nourishing. ❤️
I'm so glad this resonated with you, Mairi...I'm grateful to be on the journey with you. :)
I’ve never known what Micaelmas is. Coming from a non-liturgical background I’ve missed so many beautiful things. But learning them now is such joy!
I'm so glad you're enjoying the journey! I feel the same way. When I stumbled into the liturgical calendar, it was like a whole beautiful world opened up!
Iris and I love dragons and Knights stories, and especially the Red Cross Knight who may well have his beginnings in St Michael the Archangel. She and I also have an ongoing story of a friendly dragon called Chanta who loves in the forest near a beach, close to our house. We make up stories about her but act as if they are real and come true. Iris even asked if her dragon had some to see my mum, her GiGi, die recently and be buried. There is something supernatural but deeply personal that lies rooted in each of us and calls to ritual as an explanation for the things that happen in life. A friendly dragon keeping an eye on a little girl and her Grandma as they participate in the memorial of a life is as beautiful a thought as what she said today when she saw a rainbow - "Grandma, that means God keeps His promises!" As you say, it is about participating in the darker months/the darker side of life with bravery. Like us, through traditions and stories, Iris is learning to lean into those truths to keep her steady. May it keep you steady too!
That is so precious! The way children so naturally flow with faith is so inspiring.