Happy solstice blessings from the fairies and I! To celebrate the shortest day of the year in Australia and also the rebirth of the Sun, my fairy friends enjoyed a picnic under my thuja tree yesterday. Among the party were the fairy sisters, Amelia, Eilidh, Daisy, Mabel, Verbena and Lily as well as Freya and May.
They enjoyed hunt for pine cones, while I prepared hot apple cider and orange pancakes. We then set up a mini blanket, and I strung a solstice banner I made from felt and twine on the tree. The pancakes and cider were a hit! The fairies loved that I used fruits, apples and oranges, both are in season.
Weaving a little bit of Scandinavia into the party
I have Danish heritage and for the solstice celebration, I wanted to include something to celebrate my connection. In my research, I learned that preparing and drinking of apple cider is a Scandinavian tradition. It usually made around Christmas, close to the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. Since I am in Australia and our winter is in June, I thought it would be lovely to weave this tradition into the party. I found a great recipe in Scandinavian Gatherings by Melissa Bahen.
Scandinavian Gatherings by Melissa Bahen
Scandinavian Gatherings includes 70 lovely tea party recipes and ideas. I was inspired to create the solstice banner by Melissa’s simple but delightful woodland tea party banner. I first made out a paper template for the sun, moon and stars and then I traced them onto red, white and yellow felt. Then, I cut a length of twine approximately 1 metre in length and then stitched the felt pieces onto the twine. You can also attach them with a hot glue gun.
Materials for the Solstice Banner
Land blessings with the fairies
Towards the end of the picnic, I did a little land blessing with the leftovers in my garden. As I poured the cooled cider on the soil, I whispered a thank you prayer for the wonderful gifts the trees and bushes have given throughout the year.
Holding fairy picnics is a wonderful way to play in the garden, no matter your age, and is also an opportunity to give thanks to the Earth.
How did you celebrate the solstice, Wonder Weavers? Please share with me below.
Meanwhile, Scandinavian Gatherings is available from the Book Depository and Amazon.
Many fairies wishes, Wonder Weavers until next time.
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