The Cross Quarter Days

[canetoad]

The four cross quarter days fall at mid-point between the Summer/Winter solstices and the equinoxes which are called the Quarter Days. The next astronomical cross quarter day will occur on August 6th or 7th depending on time zone.



Just as ancient civilizations celebrated the solstices and equinoxes, the cross quarter days marked certain times of the year, religious holidays and ocassionally, an administrative function. These days did not necessarily conform to the astronomical time and date during the earth's journey around the sun.

Ireland:
- Lughnasadh (1 August)
- Samhain (1 November)
- Imbolc (1 February)
- Beltaine (1 May)

Scotland:
- Candlemas (2 February)
- Whitsunday (legislatively fixed for this purpose as 15 May)
- Lammas (1 August)
- Martinmas (11 November).

In a few days I expect the biting winds on the coast to become slightly more temperate. Birds are starting to mate, buds are forming. In the northern hemisphere, those of you who grow a little ganja will find the males and females start to show themselves around the same date.

The cross quarter days are a fascinating reminder of ancient Celtic ways fused with modern astronomy.
Find dates for quarter and cross quarter days here:
https://www.archaeoastronomy.com/2021.html

[SheltieLover]

1. Interesting!

Ty!