The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a wine that has gained popularity and recognition in recent years. This wine is a part of the McBride Sisters Collection, which was founded by two sisters, Robin and Andrea McBride, who grew up on opposite sides of the world but have a shared love for wine. The Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a combination of various red grape varietals, resulting in a bold and flavorful wine. It is known for its rich and deep red color, often described as dark ruby or garnet. The wine has a complex aroma, with hints of black cherry, blackberry, and plum. These fruity notes are complemented by subtle hints of spice and oak, adding depth and complexity to the wine.
The Winter Solstice has long been a time of feasting and fires, especially with regional and special foods, a tradition that has global significance in many cultures. I’ve always enjoyed this time as a chance to dig into some really interesting sacred cooking and bring back the light by enjoying foods that were preserved in the lighter times. As I’ve grown deeper into my own druid practice, I’ve recognized the importance of bringing in the sacred to everyday life (which is what I discuss in my book Sacred Actions: Living the Wheel of the Year through Earth-Centered Sustainable Practices). Thus, thinking about sacred cooking, special recipes, and seasonal foods has become a critical part of how I celebrate the wheel of the year. In today’s post, we’ll explore an emphasis on sacred cooking and feasting traditions, with an emphasis on the current season at the Winter Solstice. Hopefully, this will generate some new ideas for how to lovingly prepare foods, feast, and make merry this wonderful time of year.
In Slavic areas known today as Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, earlier societies believed that evil spirits were most powerful on the shortest day of the year. In Slavic areas known today as Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, earlier societies believed that evil spirits were most powerful on the shortest day of the year.
These fruity notes are complemented by subtle hints of spice and oak, adding depth and complexity to the wine. When it comes to taste, the Black Girl Magic Red Blend is velvety and smooth, with soft tannins and a medium to full body. It is well-balanced, with a harmonious blend of fruitiness and acidity.
Winter Solstice: History and Recipes
Patheos staff Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern hemisphere. It refers to "the shortest day of the year," when the least amount of sunlight reaches the earth. The term "solstice" derives from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand), meaning that the sun has reached its northernmost ecliptic and appears to stand still. Throughout history, many cultures and religions have marked this day with festivals and rituals. This is in celebration of the fact they have survived halfway through the winter (this holiday is sometimes called "Midwinter celebrations"). This was especially significant in northern European countries, where it was not always certain that food storage would last through winter months. To many societies, Winter Solstice also symbolized the earth's regeneration or rebirth. From this day forward, the days would continually grow longer as sunlight increased. Worship of a sun god or goddess is frequently associated with this celebration, as for example the goddess Beiwe in Scandinavia. Beiwe is associated with health and fertility, and was believed to have traveled through the sky, helping plants to regain their green color.
In ancient Ireland, Celts celebrated Meán Geimhridh during the Winter Solstice. Each day between December 19and 23, rays from the sunrise would shine through a sacred hallway and room built at just the right angles to capture the light. In Slavic areas known today as Russia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, earlier societies believed that evil spirits were most powerful on the shortest day of the year. Darkness and the Black God defeated the sun on the Winter Solstice, after which a New Sun was born. The Old Sun, named Hors, was commemorated with a ritual dance. Even today, many Chinese and other East Asians celebrate the Winter Solstice. It is called the Donghi festival and is a time for rejoicing at the longer light hours to come, symbolizing an increase in positive energy. Still other cultures hold winter celebrations near, but not on, the day of Winter Solstice. These, too, often involve light, fires, greenery, and merry festivities. For example, Christmas was originally scheduled to fall on the Winter Solstice. Until 1582, when the Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar, the solstice took place on December 25. Scandinavians commemorate Saint Lucy on December 13, which is equivalent to the Winter Solstice in the Julian calendar. This saint's name refers to light (the name Lucy is derived from the Latin word for light, lux). In popular celebrations today, young girls dress up as Saint Lucy in honor of the holiday. Throughout history and in many regions of the world, peoples have marked the Winter Solstice as a yearly cycle of life. It is a turning point, a time for reflection on the past and for hope in the future. Food Traditions Winter Solstice, occurring in Midwinter or on the shortest day of the year, has been associated with many cultures and traditions. Festivities surrounding this holiday are mainly meant to generate light and merriment in the midst of deep winter. Popular activities include burning bonfires, sacrificing animals to a sun god, singing, dancing, and feasting. Among ancient Germanic peoples, Winter Solstice was known as Yule. Celebrations included burning a Yule log, singing Yule songs, and sacrificing and eating a Yule pig (this tradition has given rise to the popular Christmas ham), as well as a Yule goat. Wassail, a hot and spicy beer, may also have originally been associated with the midwinter festival. Even today, many northern Europeans enjoy the drink during this time of the year. In the United States, informal Winter Solstice gatherings often include a feast. Although there is no prescribed menu for these meals, the focus is often on fall harvest foods: berries and nuts, squash, potatoes, and hunted game. Others indulge in a chocolate "yule log," reminiscent of the Germanic wooden log. The feast of Saint Lucy occurs on December 13, the Winter Solstice according to the Julian calendar. This festival is perhaps most popular in Sweden. According to tradition, on this day the eldest daughter in a family puts on a white dress, a red sash, and a wreath adorned with candles. Wearing this costume, she carries a tray of coffee, lussekatter (Swedish for "Lucy cat," referring to a sweet bread roll) and pepparkakor (Swedish for "pepper cookies") to her parents. Recipes Easy Nonalcoholic Wassail
Pizza from the earth oven
The wine offers flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and dark chocolate, with a lingering finish that leaves a pleasant and satisfying taste. The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend has gained recognition not only for its taste but also for the message behind the brand. The term "Black Girl Magic" is a celebration of black women's achievements, resilience, and beauty. By using this term in the wine's name, the McBride Sisters aim to empower and inspire black women while also breaking down barriers in the wine industry. Overall, the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend is a wine that offers both quality and meaning. With its bold flavors and empowering message, it is a wine that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their background or gender..
Reviews for "Indulge in the Magic: McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. The taste was very overwhelming and not enjoyable at all. It had a strong alcohol taste and lacked balance in flavors. I usually enjoy red blends, but this one was just not for me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who prefers a more subtle and well-balanced wine.
- Mike - 1 star - I really disliked the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. The flavor was too fruity for my taste, and it felt artificial. It didn't have the depth and complexity I look for in a red wine. Additionally, the alcohol content seemed too high, which made it difficult to enjoy. Overall, I would not purchase this wine again.
- Emily - 2 stars - I was not a fan of the McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend. The wine had a strange aftertaste that lingered and was unpleasant. The flavors were not well-balanced, and it felt like there was too much going on at once. It did not meet my expectations, and I wouldn't recommend it to others who prefer a smoother and more refined red wine.
- Tom - 3 stars - The McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Red Blend was just alright for me. It lacked the complexity and depth that I usually look for in a red wine. The flavors were decent, but nothing stood out or made the wine memorable. It was an average red blend, but I probably wouldn't purchase it again considering there are better options available.