Pagan Winter Traditions Pagan winter traditions are ancient customs and practices that have been passed down through generations in various pagan cultures. These traditions are rooted in nature and are often celebrated around the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. Here are some notable pagan winter traditions: 1. Yule: Yule is derived from the Norse word "jol", and it marks the winter solstice in pagan traditions. It is celebrated with feasting, bonfires, and the exchange of gifts. Yule is a time to honor the return of the sun and celebrate the renewal of life.
Students can also research how to make magic squares (there are algorithms) or learn more about Franklin’s work on magic squares; one of the best books on that topic is Benjamin Franklin’s Numbers: An Unsung Mathematical Odyssey by Paul C. Pasles. The American Mathematical Monthly has published numerous articles on Franklin's magic squares, including Pasles's 2001 "The Lost Squares of Dr. Franklin: Ben Franklin's Missing Squares and the Secret of the Magic Circle" and Christopher J. Henrich's "Magic Squares and Linear Algebra." Another article on magic squares in Convergence is P. G. Brown's "The Magic Squares of Manuel Moschopoulos."
The four corner numbers in the great square added to the four central numbers, make 1028, equal to half the sum of any vertical or horizontal column, which contains 16 numbers, and equal to half a diagonal or its parallel. James Parton 1822 1891 discussed the origin of Benjamin Franklin s 16X16 Magic Square of Squares in his biography, Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin pp.
Yule is a time to honor the return of the sun and celebrate the renewal of life. 2. Wassailing: Wassailing is an English pagan tradition that involves singing and drinking to bless the apple trees and ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
The Patchery Menagerie
I freely confess to sucking at basic Math, even though I get the gist of it. I need a calculator to add stuff up properly. I can't look at a string of numbers and add them up to get an exact total in my head, but I can look at them and get damned close. I find numbers interesting. Whole numbers, anyway. Once you get into sines and cosines, and pi and all that other stuff, I'm totally lost and I lose interest. What interests me about numbers is the rhythm they have. I can't explain it any better than that.
This is a MAGIC SQUARE. Go ahead, look it up.
Here's a summary: In recreational mathematics and combinatorial design, a magic square is a square grid filled with distinct positive integers in the range such that each cell contains a different integer and the sum of the integers in each row, column and diagonal is equal.
So first of all, look at the numbers in the photo above. You can see the numbers 1 to 16 shown once each. Now add the numbers across in each row. Total = 34. Now add up the numbers in each column. Total = 34. Now add up the diagonals. Total = 34. Each group of four adjacent numbers also adds up to 34. Pretty cool huh?
This particular Magic Square is a Pan-diagonal Magic Square, meaning the broken diagonals still add up to 34 (2+12+15+5, for example). It was inscribed on the wall of Parshvanath temple in Khajuraho India in the 12th Century. It is known as the Chautisa Yantra since its magic sum is 34. It is also a "Most-Perfect Magic Square," but I confess I don't understand enough math to know why.
Still though I think it's pretty neat and I have the page with the numbers above tacked onto inspiration wall in my studio. I am thinking of making a small quilt that is a magic square. I'll use my free-pieced technique to make the numbers, of course, and I'll have to work out how big the squares around them will be, but it's pretty clear to me the numbers have to look consistent with each other and that the fabrics that comprise the numbers and the backgrounds can't be TOO busy.
I don't know if I will install a grid between the numbers, as one of my favorite artists, Albrecht Durer, did in this one, in his famous engraving Melencolia I, from 1514.
I like the idea of not being particularly descriptive with any other information about what makes it a Magic Square. (Translation: this blog post will have everything I want to say about Magic Squares, but anybody who sees the quilt hanging somewhere won't get it unless they look at the numbers and start adding them up in their heads, or if they happen to know what a magic square is.)
- A 2x2 magic square cannot be constructed.
- There is only ONE 3x3 Magic Square
- There are exactly 880 4x4 Magic Squares.
- I must be what is considered a "recreational mathematician."
"A Magic Square of Squares," Gentleman's Magazine (July 1768), pp. 312–313.
It often takes place around Christmas or the twelfth night. 3. Midwinter celebrations: Many pagan cultures have midwinter celebrations to commemorate the rebirth of the sun. These celebrations involve lighting bonfires, feasting, and performing rituals to bring good fortune in the new year. 4. The Green Man: The Green Man is a symbol of nature's fertility and life force. In pagan winter traditions, the Green Man is often depicted wearing green leaves or a crown of holly. He represents the life that lies dormant in winter and will return in the spring. 5. Mistletoe: Mistletoe has long been associated with pagan winter traditions. It was believed to have magical and healing properties, and it was hung in homes to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated from pagan traditions. 6. Fire rituals: Fire has a significant role in pagan winter traditions. It is believed to bring warmth, light, and purify negative energies. Lighting bonfires, candles, or hearth fires is a common practice during pagan winter celebrations. 7. Evergreen decorations: Pagan traditions often incorporate evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy, and pine, as decorations during the winter season. These plants symbolize resilience and everlasting life. Wreaths, garlands, and Christmas trees are all derived from pagan winter traditions. 8. Feasting: Feasting is an essential part of pagan winter traditions. It is a time to celebrate abundance and share communal meals with family and friends. Traditional winter foods, such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and spiced drinks, are commonly enjoyed during these feasts. These are just a few examples of pagan winter traditions that have persisted through the ages. They serve as a reminder of our connection to nature and the cycles of life. Whether it's celebrating the winter solstice or embracing the symbolism of evergreen decorations, these traditions continue to bring joy and meaning to the winter season..
Reviews for "Pagan Winter Rituals for Transformation and Renewal"
1. Jack - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Winter Traditions". I was expecting an in-depth exploration of pagan beliefs and practices during the winter season, but instead, I found the book to be shallow and poorly researched. The author seems to rely on generic information that is readily available on the internet, without bringing anything new or insightful to the table. Furthermore, the writing style is dull and lacks any spark of enthusiasm. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in the subject.
2. Emily - 2/5 stars - While "Pagan Winter Traditions" does cover various pagan traditions associated with the winter season, I felt the information provided was too basic and lacked depth. It seemed like the author just scratched the surface of each tradition without delving deeper into their meaning or historical context. The book also lacked proper citations or references, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information presented. Additionally, the writing style was dry and uninspiring, failing to capture my interest and leaving me wanting more. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for those looking to learn about pagan winter traditions.
3. Samantha - 2/5 stars - "Pagan Winter Traditions" was a letdown for me. I had hoped to find a book that would provide a detailed and informative exploration of pagan beliefs and practices specifically during the winter months. However, the book failed to deliver on that front. The information felt superficial, and it seemed like the author only scratched the surface of each topic. The writing style also left much to be desired, as it lacked flow and engaging storytelling. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to someone looking for an in-depth understanding of pagan winter traditions.