June

 

 

 

5th

Clootie Day: This is the day when Little Folk pay a special visit to wells or nearby springs to say thankyou for their supply of fresh, clean water. They sprinkle well water on the ground three times, make a special wish and leave a gift of flowers. Some folk tie a fine ribbon made from thistledown to a nearby shrub to make their wishes. They drink some well or spring water before leaving.

 

 

14th

Welly-Trashers: Everyone across the Lands puts on their "welly-trashers" or almost worn-out shoes and gathers at Poynton Coppice to perform a stomping dance called "The Snail's Creep". Beginning with a stomping procession in a very long wiggly line, each person follows the one in front. One of the Oak Folk who plays the oak pipes leads the line around in a large circle which moves in a spiral inwards, with a sharp turn before spiralling back out again. By the time the dance is finished, so much stomping has been done that many folk have large hole in their footwear.

Those lucky enough to wear out their shoes on this day recieve a pair of specially carved "moggins" or clogs, made by the Coppice Folk. Those not lucky enough must return home with their welly-trashers until next year!

 

 

21st

Mickle Sun (Summer Solstice): Literally meaning "big sun", this is the Little Folk's celebration of the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky, and the longest day.

Folk gather at the Ringstone to watch the sunrise, and the youngest person collects the morning dew in a 'dew mug' which is a large earthenware pot. This water is said to have magical properties. If a cuckoo is heard at sunrise, the Ringstone is said to make a sharp sound, take a bow and perform a dance for the folk before taking a sip from the dew-mug! All folk take a small sip from the mug for good luck.

At sunset the eldest of the Little Folk lights a bonfire made of wood from rowan, oak or yew trees which the Night Folk bring from Lantern Wood. Folk dance around the fire and throw in little bunches of wild flowers and herbs. Tiny Folk do a special dance called "The Bodkin". They stand in two rows, holding hands with the folk opposite, the last pair raise their hands to form an arch. Whilst singing the "Bodkin Song", each pair dances under the arch and makes a new one. This is repeated until the dance has moved sunwise all the way round the bonfire.

(a bodkin is a large embroidery needle, and the dance gets its name because it is like threading thistledown string through a bodkin)

 

 

22nd

The morning after Mickle Sun, Crossil Cakes are baked in the hot embers for the Tiny Folk. A shiny stone is hidden inside one of the cakes and the Tiny Folk all hope that it will be theirs!