Celebrate the Seasons Unit Four: The Year's Dawn

After the Winter solstice, we continue our journey through the darkest days of the year, but now it is a little different; for each day, the light is increasing. This time of year is about dreaming, anticipation, and planning for spring. The beginning of February in the northern hemisphere (and August in the southern hemisphere) is the halfway point between the Solstice and the equinox and is an ancient festival. This holiday has been called Imbolc, Candlemas and Saint Brigid's day, and Groundhog day. Brigid (both a saint and an ancient deity) is associated with fire and enlightenment. Snowdrops, brave little flowers that poke their heads up when it still appears to be winter, are also symbols of this time of year. This is also the season of the Lunar New Year in many Asian countries. During this unit, we focus on community, being together, learning from each other, and caring for the land we live on. We learn about Asian culture and mythology and the traditions surrounding the Lunar New Year. We come together and stoke the fires. We dream.