This is the June illustration in 'An Illustrated Country Year'
June is usually my favourite month....Summer, Strawberries and Wimbledon.... not sure it will be so joyful this year with Col's funeral but I will get through.
From the Mystery book - still no clue as to where it came from - "An Illustrated Coastal Year".
This book is divided into seasons rather than months. So from the Summer pages...........but not many cliffs in Suffolk to find these
But much more opportunity to find these Shingle loving flowers in Aldeburgh, Thorpeness or the aptly named Shingle Street.
There would have been very little time in June in days gone by for celebrating the Saints Days as farmers would have been busy with haymaking and sheep shearing. Watching the weather would have been the main occupation.
Calm weather in June, sets the farmer in tune
Before the change of calendar in 1752 the longest day was June 11th. This is Saint Barnabas' Day
Barnaby bright
Barnaby bright
Longest Day
Shortest night.
Midsummer's day was for centuries one of the main festivals in the countryside and celebrated the abundance and mystery of nature.
Bonfires were lit on hilltops for the solstice and it was the custom for people to leap over the flames for good luck.
Elder will flower this month and there are many recipes for syrups or wine. Elder was considered to be an unlucky tree because of it's associations with witchcraft. Cutting down an elder tree would bring bad luck unless you apologized profusely and burning elder indoors would "Bring the devil indoors".
Farmers don't like elder in a hedgerow as it is brittle and no good for keeping in cattle or sheep. Yet having Elder growing near a doorway could protect from evil spirits entering the house and stop lightening strikes.
Under the Oak there comes a stroke
Under the Ash there comes a flash
But under the Elder there comes no harm.
Many Thanks for comments on the Suffolk show posts, I enjoyed the day and then writing about it took me there all over again - double pleasure!
Back Tomorrow
Sue
We got married on the winter solstice. Shortest day, longest night.
ReplyDeleteLovely books!
I love your folklore posts and this one is no exception. I'm afraid June, for me, means hayfever. It landed on me on Friday with a vengeance and it's going to be bad today as I'm sneezing even after the tablet! Ah well, June is still a very beautiful month and it's started well with this gorgeous weather.
ReplyDeleteLovely illustrations and June has certainly started with scorching weather in Scotland. June will be a sad month for the family as you say goodbye to Col, but your blog friends will be with you in spirit on the day.
ReplyDeleteI really love the old sayings...and nearly all of them hold true in some way...keep on plodding along Sue...we're right by your bloggy side if you need us. xx
ReplyDeleteLove your header Sue and as usual your interesting facts about the month. Not going to be an easy month for you but you will get through it.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing these each month. So interesting and such lovely illustrations. It will be a difficult month for you, but I hope, with love and support from family and friends, you will get through the difficult times.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely illustrations from the "mystery" book.
ReplyDeleteI loved your posts and photos from the Suffolk Show.
It will be very sad to say goodbye to Col. But I hope that it gives you and your children comfort to know that Col is thought of and will be remembered by your readers from so many parts of the globe.
I love these posts! Thank you Sue!
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was a Rowan kept the witches away. Didnt work on my Mother. We got married on the Summer Solstice. Sorry June for you this year xxx
ReplyDeleteI had a look in The Folklore of Plants book (that I forgot to look in for the Elder!) and it says 'the Rowan is the best of all antidotes to witchcraft,fairies,disease and the evil eye!With a distinguished reputation, greatest in the highland zone, north and west of a line from the mouth of the river Exe in Devon to the mouth of the Tees"
DeleteSo that explains it.
I had two lovely Elder trees on my stone hedge, until an over zealous neighbour decided they needed to go ~ didn't even ask if it was okay to trespass on my wall while I was out! The folk lore I know of Elder trees is that you must first ask their permission to make any sort of cut.
ReplyDeleteIt will not be easy, saying goodbye to Col, but you have a strong and loving family, and you will be comfort and support to each other.
It struck me as I looked at it after reading your post ( getting through June with Colin's funeral coming up) that your header is very appropriate; a dark patch in the path with light at the end of it.
ReplyDeleteI pray that you will have unexpected patches of light along the way. Sue
My mum got married on Midsummer Day, June 24. It was always her special day of the year, more special than her birthday. I love the poppies.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous illustrations. I don't know if we have Elder trees here in my part of Canada. I think I need to do some research.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.