Upcoming Dates of Importance
Writers! We must help bring back tradition by exploring and promoting the festivities that make England great!
All submissions still welcome!
While ‘themed’ magazines have never been the focus of the Corncrake (other than the Christmas edition), and feel free to send in any writings at any time, adding a little thing about the traditions that will be happening in that month will help support bringing back the celebrations. Feel free to write a poem or story, or suggest to me one already published on any of the traditions listed below and let us get celebratory. Keep in mind, that I would need the things early so I can get the mag together. Sending me things no later than early the prior month is best for my mag preparation schedule.
Burns Night is a traditional Scottish celebration held annually on January 25th to commemorate the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796). The evening typically features a formal dinner, known as a Burns Supper, which includes traditional Scottish cuisine, whisky, and poetry recitations.
Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is a Christian feast day celebrated on January 6th. It marks the visit of the Magi, or wise men, to the baby Jesus, and is considered the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. Traditionally, Christmas decorations are removed on Epiphany Eve (January 5th), although some people may choose to leave them up until Candlemas (February 2nd). In some parts of the country, Epiphany is celebrated with processions, singing, and other festivities. In Scotland, Epiphany is sometimes referred to as “Little Christmas” and is celebrated with traditional foods such as shortbread and whisky. In Wales, Epiphany is known as “Dydd Gwyl y Rhyfel” (Day of the Epiphany) and is marked with singing and storytelling.
Candlemas is a Christian festival celebrated on February 2nd, commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth, as well as the purification of Mary. Candlemas has its roots in Jewish tradition, where women were considered unclean for 40 days after giving birth and had to undergo a purification ceremony. This ritual was observed by Mary, and the festival was later adopted by Christians to commemorate Jesus’ presentation in the Temple. The festival is known as Candlemas because candles were traditionally blessed and distributed on this day. This custom symbolized Christ as the light of the world. In England, it was customary to remove Christmas decorations on Candlemas Day, rather than Twelfth Night (January 5th). This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe and healthy year ahead. An old English rhyme suggests that if Candlemas Day is fair and bright, winter will have another fight, while a cloudy or rainy day predicts the end of winter. Church traditions: In Anglican and Catholic churches, Candlemas is celebrated with special services and processions, often featuring lighted candles. Some churches also distribute candles to the congregation as a symbol of Christ’s light.
Saint Valentine’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honouring a martyr named Valentine, and through later folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. The historical origins of Saint Valentine’s Day are unclear, but it is believed to date back to the 3rd century AD. According to legend, Saint Valentine was a Christian priest who lived in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II had outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. Saint Valentine defied the emperor’s decree and continued to perform marriages in secret, and as a result, was put to death on February 14. The tradition of linking Saint Valentine’s Day with courtly love and romance developed in the Middle Ages.
St David’s Day, is on March 1. St David is the patron saint of Wales. He, born in the 6th century near St Davids in Pembrokeshire, was known for his commitment to spreading Christianity and promoting peace. His legacy of humility and compassion continues to inspire generations. Two enduring symbols of St David’s Day are the leek and the daffodil. The leek, historically worn by Welsh soldiers in battle, represents Welsh identity and is often displayed prominently during celebrations. The daffodil, which blooms across Wales in early spring, symbolizes hope and renewal. Take a walk along the Welsh coastline between St Non’s Chapel and St Davids, following in the footsteps of saints
Shrove Tuesday, March 4, also known as Pancake Day, is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is a day of repentance and forgiveness, where Christians confess their sins and seek absolution before the 40-day fasting period of Lent.
Pancake tradition: The UK’s Shrove Tuesday is closely tied to the tradition of eating pancakes, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The custom involves using up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before the fasting period of Lent, making pancakes a sweet and indulgent treat.
Ash Wednesday is on the 5th of March and is a significant Christian holiday marking the beginning of the 40-day Lenten period, which culminates in Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday falls on a Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. The exact date varies each year due to the movable nature of Easter. Many Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday with special services. During these services, priests or ministers bless ashes from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and apply them to the foreheads of worshippers in the shape of a cross, symbolizing repentance and mortality. The ashes are often accompanied by the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a period of fasting, abstinence, and prayer, which continues until Easter Sunday. Traditionally, Christians give up certain food products or habits during Lent, such as meat and dairy products.
In some parts of the UK, particularly in the north, village-wide football games, known as Shrovetide Football, have been played on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) since the 17th century. Although less common today, these matches still take place in some areas, such as Ashbourne.
St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture, observed annually on March 17th. The day commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. According to tradition, Saint Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century and was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He later escaped and returned to Ireland as a priest, converting thousands of people to Christianity. He established his headquarters at Armagh and is credited with being the first bishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day dates back to the 17th century, when it was believed that green could ward off evil spirits.
Spring Equinox is on March 20. Many Wiccans and pagans celebrate the spring equinox with rituals and ceremonies to mark the renewal of life and the balance between light and darkness. Some people observe the spring equinox by planting seeds, holding picnics, or participating in outdoor activities to welcome the new season.
Mothering Sunday is a significant celebration, traditionally held on the fourth Sunday in Lent, which is a period of 46 days before Easter. The date varies each year, but in 2025, it falls on March 30th. Mothering Sunday originated in the Middle Ages as a day to visit one’s “mother church,” the church where one was baptized. This tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Christians would return to their local parish church or cathedral for a special service on Laetare Sunday (also known as Mid-Lent Sunday or Refreshment Sunday). The day was a respite from the penitential season of Lent, and people would often bring gifts, such as cakes and flowers, to their mothers and other mother figures. Today, Mothering Sunday is a day to honour mothers and mother figures, including grandmothers, stepmothers, and mothers-in-law.