St. Martin, the Goose, and the Spiders

...oh wait, yes they do!

For those of you who have read my post “Flying Arrows and Flying Spiders” I have found, in my class’ reading material, something that may interest you!
(and yes, Francis, is has to do with the spiders bit…)

The following is all summarized from a reading in my folklore class and can be found at bcmwilliams@irish-times.ie The story was originally printed 11-11-06 on pg 32 of the Irish Times

Martin was born in Italy in 316 and as a young man, although attracted to the new cult of Christianity, followed in his father’s footsteps as an officer in the Roman army...

Martin, now a military tribune, found himself riding through the streets of Amiens in northern Gaul on a cold, bleak morning in November. A beggar-man, scantily clad, came up to him asking for alms. Martin, overcome with pity, tore his cloak in half and gave half to the old man. God was so happy with this act He let the sunshine warmly on Martin until he could repair his dishabille. God is said to mark this event by sending a few days of fine, warm weather early each November—a period traditionally called “St. Martin’s summer”.

Later, God would appear to Martin wearing the cloak-half he had given the beggar. Martin left the Roman army and became a Christian--he devoted his life to prayer and Christianity. By the year 370, Martin’s name was mentioned for the episcopal vacancy at Tours. Alarmed by this daunting aspect, Martin hid in a barn but was given away by a rather noisy goose… The goose was later served to him for dinner by the new bishop--explaining why it is customary to eat goose on St. Martin’s day and why St. Martin’s summer is also called the “goose summer”.

Many species of spider, disperse their populations by allowing themselves to be carried on the wind—they shoot out strands of web that lift them away. When the spider comes to ground again it releases the thread, which is often seen drifting and shimmering in the Goose Summer sunlight. It seemed appropriate to call it “goose-summer” thread or “gossamer” as we know it now.
I can personally attest to the fact that this does, indeed, happen--you can read about it in my previous post  “Flying Arrows and Flying Spiders” from October 20th.

So when people describe angel’s wings as being “gossamer” is it because they are feathered like a goose or are they likening them to spider’s webs? Perhaps they are trying to say they emit a warm light? Where is the first reference to “gossamer wings” I wonder, and in what context?

If anyone is so inclined to research this, I would be quite interested in your findings!

Today (11/11/13) I my friend Dieuwke told me..."I was reading your blogpost on St. Martin. Did you know that back home we have a celebration called Sint Maarten, which is actually celebrated today?? Similar to Halloween here, without dressing up though. Children go to every house, sing a song and get candy. Always great fun" I want to go to the Netherlands now!

Flying Arrows and Flying Spiders

This weekend UCC's Med/Ren and others went to Swords Castle, Dublin for a (reenactment) training session. I got to shoot a Meare Heath bow (I think it was or a Self Bow, not sure) and European style war bow; had tea and pumpkin soup and Chinese food; learned some more spoken Irish and some new songs; got an awesome viking cup and hat; figured out what kind of cloak I am making; and I made some awesome friends! Best. Weekend. Ever!

Swords Castle, Dublin

Learning traditional archery with Dave "MirCat" Hodson

Learning arm movements and muscle memory.

stance and how to load

She could do this by her 3rd shot!

 Oh yeah, about the "flying spiders"? *shudders*There were hundreds of baby spiders drifting in the wind! The landed in your hair, they invaded the tents... They were everywhere and inescapable--believe me, I tried. It seemed like something out of Night Vale!

nalbinding, knitting,crochet, and sewing abounds!

wood turning--this was really cool to see!

this will eventually be a (really cool) baby's rattle

There were apple trees on the grounds--some were good for baking in the fire :) om nom nom

Aliette having a try!

Learning from the teacher

When I woke up early in the morning there were cats everywhere!

The shots I made on my first attempts!

Dinner being made...

Pumpkin soup! This was amazing.

It finally felt like October to have squash soup! The hat I am wearing here just appeared on my head... I grew quite fond of it, and Tony let me keep it. Awesome!

Hey mom, remember that candle-holder? It came in real handy!

Whenever someone wanted to get in or out we had to yell "Gatekeeper!" and have someone with the key run over...

Lots of stories being told 'round the campfire...

(I tried to post a video of one of the funny stories, I hope it goes through here...)

The moon was so bright, full as it was. It gave a nice light for the weekend!

While this picture does a great job of showing how it felt, if one imagines more chats and laughing and singing in the background you get an even better idea! For example, there is the song "the rattlin' bog". I know a similar American version in which the chorus is, "and the green grass grows all around,all around, and the green grass grows all around..."               You can see by the videos how it progresses...

With all the rain there were RAINBOWS! :)

After a long weekend it was time to pack up and head home...

Whiplash

No less than three times this morning was I the center of (rather sudden) unwanted attention. This story sadly has no pictures to go with it but I hope you will find it amusing nonetheless.

My day started so well. My Folklore class was interesting and I finally figured out how to give my friend the video I took of our other folklore professor speaking Irish.

I tried posting that video and some others but it won't go. *shrugs* Sorry. I will try and get that up soon.

So all is good, yes?
And then as I am making my way out the classroom/building--the fire alarm goes off!--at least I think it was the fire alarm...We are in the food sciences building so I'm guessing it'll be a common occurrence, food burns, no big deal, right? Well I happened to be walking past the fire alarm pull at that very second.
You know how on t.v. when the new kid enters the school and the whole classroom turns to stare at them all at the same time? Yeah. It was like that--not gonna lie--it was kinda creepy.

So I, all startled, (and innocent, by the way) quickly shuffle off to my next appointment--a tutorial for my Celtic Civilization class--sounds nice and easy! I assumed that the tutorial for the class would be held in the same room the class itself was held so I booked it over there.

I got to the Boole Lecture Theatre just in time--Huzzah!

a get comfy in my seat and take out my laptop and get ready to take notes and such. 

I should have realized something was wrong, it was not nearly crowded enough in that room--tutorial group or no..The lecturer makes her way to the podium, puts the power-point presentation on the screen and without taking a breath starts talking about hurricanes.

Wait. What? Hurricanes? I am not in the right class...well shit.

Here is the beautiful thing--I am sitting in the FRONT ROW of this lecture theatre being the student I am. I must now (somehow) inconspicuously pack up my stuff and make an exit.

As I grab my bag and make my way through the row to get to the back door my bag catches on the seat. I cannot move. I was trying not to draw attention to myself and  my backpack decides to keep me standing right there. I am now standing like a fool in front of the class when trying to run away! *facepalm*

"Are you okay?" the lecturer asks 

(probably concerned for my health as there is no other reason I should be leaving the room at this point unless it is an emergency)

"I am in the wrong class--sorry 'bout that!"

"in the wrong class?!" 

I should mention that we are about a quarter through classes right now--one would assume they know where there classes are at this point.

So, the whole class laughs as I quickly (or as quickly as I can) walk up the slanted pathway between the benches to the back door.

I make it to the room the tutorial actually was (huzzah!) and as I sheepishly open the door. Once again I am the focus of attention as the whole class turns to look at me. Dozens of eyes simultaneously turn to glare accusingly at me. They must have all been in marching band--they were all so choreographed. I would have thought it to be quite impressive actually if I  was not trying to disappear into the floor.

There was one empty chair left in the room and I made my way towards it. As I sat down I sighed and thought--this is not my morning.

So, long story short, I wouldn't be surprised if half of UCC had whiplash from turning to stare at me today...

Cork Rebel Week

So  my friend Lisa brought me to Cork Rebel Week's Rebel Food Market this Wednesday! 

--Thank you Lisa for convincing me to go!--

There was free face-painting (the line was too long or else I would have gotten something!)

and there was balloon-making by another my other friend Victor! 

But best of all, FREE SAMPLES!

Mulled wine and apple juice - yum!

I really wanted to ask for a brown giraffe I was going to name Rabbit (just for you Ciara) and a red one named Hatchworth (for Aliette) and a blue one named Spine... but the Q was too long. 
For anyone who does not know about Steam Powered Giraffe--now you do.

You are welcome ;)

lemon curd is yummy. om nom nom

the market was both inside and outside!

CHOCOLATE! (lots of it!)
what could be better?

Oh, and for those who asked me:
Cork Independence Day takes place on Wednesday, October 16th, in celebration of both the birth of the revered Irish military leader Michael Collins in West Cork and also in recognition of World Food Day.