Comparing Southern Oregon to the
Eight High Days
by Aigeann
Oregon is
thousands of miles from the land of my European ancestors. Yet the modern version of the Wheel of the
Year works surprisingly well.
SAMHAIN
This special day comes near the time of the first frost as
well as the first of the winter rains, signaling a definite end of the “warm
time”.
WINTER SOLSTICE
A celebration in the middle of the darkest time of year is a
great way to beat depression, no matter what your religion.
IMBOLC
Instead of snowdrops, we have the blossoms of the primroses
as well as the tender new buds on roses and forsythia to remind us that spring will
come again.
SPRING EQUINOX
This day falls roughly around the first salmon run,
important today as it was to the Native Americans. Additionally, the pear orchards begin
blooming, songbirds are nesting plus newborn livestock and abundant wildflowers
are in fields.
BELTANE
To the delight of gardeners, the danger of frost ends the
first day of May. What better indication
of summer?
SUMMER SOLSTICE
The powerful sun informs us
that wildfire season is beginning and everbearing strawberries are at their
peak.
LUGHNASADH
In the gardens, corn, cucumbers, marionberries, blueberries
and tomatoes are ready. Along the Rogue
River and its tributaries, the blackberries have just become ripe. Orchards and vineyards are important to our
local economy. The pear harvest begins with
the Bartletts at this point. Peaches, too, are being picked.
FALL EQUINOX
Pear picking is in high gear plus the apple, wine grape and
filbert harvest have begun. September
through October mark the time of the largest salmon runs.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest region,
please send your local Wheel of the Year to Aigeann~!
For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider,
every green tree is far more glorious
than if it were made of gold and silver.
- Martin Luther
