Winters in the World: A Journey through the Anglo-Saxon Year

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'A fascinating, informative and hauntingly authentic account of the Anglo-Saxon experience of time.' - Francis Young, author of Magic in Merlin's Realm: A History of Occult Politics in Britain 'In this wonderfully poetic journey through the Anglo-Saxon year, Eleanor Parker offers a profound meditation on time and the world, nature and its seasons.' - Carolyne Larrington, University of Oxford Winters in the World is a beautifully observed journey through the cycle of the year in Anglo-Saxon England, exploring the festivals, customs and traditions linked to the different seasons. Drawing on a wide variety of source material, including poetry, histories and religious literature, Eleanor Parker investigates how Anglo-Saxons felt about the annual passing of the seasons and the profound relationship they saw between human life and the rhythms of nature. Many of the festivals we celebrate in Britain today have their roots in the Anglo-Saxon period, and this book traces their surprising history, as well as unearthing traditions now long forgotten. It celebrates some of the finest treasures of medieval literature and provides an imaginative connection to the Anglo-Saxon world. Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Preface Introduction: The Anglo-Saxon Year Winter 1: From Winter into Winter 2: Midwinter Light 3: New Year to Candlemas Spring 4: The Coming of Spring 5: Cheese and Ashes 6: Easter Summer 7: Blossoming Summer 8: Festivals of the Land and Sky 9: Midsummer Autumn 10: Harvest 11: Fallow and Fall 12: The Month of Blood References Bibliography Acknowledgements Index