Winter keeps chugging along up here in the frozen North. We’ve had some strangely nice days, including one particularly balmy weekend. But yesterday’s snowfall reminded us that yes, indeed, there are many weeks of winter left. The Roman god Janus, a two-faced deity who looked at both the past and the future, characterizes January’s month. He symbolized the dual nature of January as a month of looking back on what we have done, while also gazing ahead into the coming year.
We are fast approaching the second month of the year, the final full month of winter. Named the Ice Moon by ancient peoples, February 2nd was celebrated as an old Festival of Light – Candlemas. Light a candle on Saturday night to symbolize the coming light and warmth of spring. Of course, it’s also fun to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow! I can never remember – if he sees his shadow, does that mean six more weeks of winter?
In any case, here at Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, February means something a wee bit more romantic than a groundhog’s shadow – the season of love, represented by St. Valentine’s Day. The Victorians are to thank for making the custom of sending Valentine cards as immensely popular as it is today. Symbols of the day include hearts, candy, flowers, cupids, lace, chocolates, and the colors red, pink, purple, and white. Did you know that, after Christmas, it is the number-one holiday for sending cards?
Honor the love and growing light of this most romantic holiday by surrounding yourself with items of beauty and art. Our Stained Glass Hearts will reflect the lengthening days’ light beautifully, capturing that ‘certain Slant of Light’ Emily Dickinson noticed. Read her poem here.
The Heart Vases will gladly hold triple bouquets of hyacinths, a bulb that can be forced indoors or purchased at nursery centers this time of year. Their fragrance is heavenly and will whet your appetite for spring! The Rose Hip Wreath is a great companion to the wonderfully crafted Rose Heart Wreath, and hang the "All Because Two People Fell in Love" sign above to remind you of your sweetie’s affections.
Ah, amore.
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