The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, marks the time of year when day and night are of equal length. This has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, including the ancient Celts who believed that the equinox was a time of balance and harmony in the natural world. It is the mid point of Spring, which started at the beginning of February with the Celtic festival of Imbolc.
How did the Celts celebrate the spring equinox?
For the Celts, the spring equinox was a time of renewal and rebirth. They marked this event with rituals and ceremonies designed to welcome the return of longer days and the growth of new life in nature. One common practice was the lighting of bonfires to symbolise the increasing power of the sun. The equinox was also an important time in agriculture. It was the time to sow seeds and prepare for the abundance of the coming months.
Here on the farm it is a key time in our calendar too as we are preparing to sow this year's crop of flax in a few weeks' time. We remove the seeds from the dried stems of last year's harvest, a process called rippling. We keep a close eye on the weather and test the soil around the farm to determine the best place for planting. If you'd like to read more about our journey with growing flax for fibre and textiles, you can follow us on @mallonlinen or visit our website www.mallonlinen.co.uk.