A brief history/religion lesson...

Well, Today be Imbolc.
For those of you who don't know what that is, the old Celtic and Germanic peoples had four major seasonal festivals. Around the start of May, they had Beltane, halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Around three months later, Lammas, midway between Summer solstice and spring equinox. Beltane celebrated the return of spring, and Lammas the bringing in of the harvest.

The 31st of October, midway between autumn equinox and winter solstice was called Samhain, pronounced Sa-Wain. The church later made the 1st of november All Saints Day, making the Samhain All-Hallows Eve, from whence we get the name Halloween. But more on that come the appropriate time.

Halfway between the Winter solstice and the spring equinox fell Imbolc, on the first and second of february. It was a feast and celebration to mark and hasten the return of spring. Preparations for the celebration began as soon as the first ewes were found to be lactating.

All I know of the celebrations was that a bonfire was involved. Which wasn't surprising, for they were a major part of most Celtic celebrations.

Now were I back in Scotland, Me and my companions, most of them, would head up the woods in the Ochils, and we'd have ourselves a bonfire. Much alcohol would be consumed, and there would be much bellowing of Skaal! and also Slangeva! and Nostrovya!... and probably Owls! and Bacon! but those last two would have the being of for different reasons.

Instead, I started in on the final stage of my sack of Moria, beginning the burning this morning. Little alcohol was consumed, and most of the day was spent by myself. 

But oh well. I may well be back in Scotland in time for another such celebration, and then it shall be had.