This winter fire festival was due to take place tomorrow to mark Hop Tu Naa (our more traditional version of Halloween) but as Storm Aiden is set to mess things up for us, it has taken place tonight. instead
We have just been standing at our windows with the lights switched off, watching the fireworks on Peel Headlands.
Now we shall sit by the fire and await tomorrow's storm.
Now we shall sit by the fire and await tomorrow's storm. P will pour me a large gin and for himself a small dry sherry. Then he will get out his ukulele and together we will sing "Kumbaya, My Lord" as the last rocket bursts golden over The Irish Sea.
ReplyDeleteExactly so.
DeleteWouldn't it be great if we could hibernate? Hope you enjoyed the fireworks tonight.
ReplyDeleteI sleep so much these days that I am sure I could hibernate with no problem!
DeleteCan I ask what is the Children's Turnip competition? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Marjorie. Here it is traditional to carve turnips rather than pumpkins. The competition is for the children to carve a turnip lantern and submit it for judging at the festival. (Also, the Manx word for turnips is moots).
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DeleteThank you. I had a spelling mistake in my previous reply.
DeleteThere's a festival in Shetland with a similar name. I learned about it from an Anne Cleves book. It's from the Scandinavian.
ReplyDeleteYes, we have a similar Viking heritage here with many shared traditions.
DeleteI'd never heard of this. It was a lot of fun watching videos and reading about it. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePS: I second the hibernation thing as well.
ReplyDeleteGet the quilts out and snuggle down!
DeleteThanks to careless reading I thought you were celebrating the local honey. But you were actually having a fire festival. So much more exciting.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha. You made me laugh Linda 🙂
DeleteUpp Helyy aa in Shetland - a fire festival to mark the shortest day and ensure the return of the sun - and probably the best party F has ever participated in. It was good to know Manx has also kept some of its unique traditions alive in this melting pot world. Even the Tigger loves a good fire. Xxx Mr T
ReplyDeleteUpp Helly Aa - lets get the spelling right!
ReplyDeleteOurs is very modest indeed compared to theirs. Not quite as impressive but good fun for the children.
DeleteDo you think many braved the elements to have a look see? And what did the Adult Winter Dress Up comp involve.....long Johns and horned helmets??
ReplyDeleteIt certainly seemed to be busy there last night, judging by all the car headlights we could see heading in and then back out afterwards.
DeleteIt was quite a clear night and reasonably mild so perhaps long johns were not needed. Unlike today with Storm Aiden blowing all around us!
Today's storm seems to have lessened here for the moment. With worse promised I'm not making plans for the garden later on.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has just started to ease off here for the time being but is due back again later. I am hoping it will be calm enough for our usual Sunday morning walk.
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