Making spirits bright at the MN Landscape Arboretum - KMSP-TV

Here's a link to a clip on our tree at the Arboretum that aired on Fox 9 this morning.
Making spirits bright at the MN Landscape Arboretum - KMSP-TV

Great job to all who helped in its creation & the people who put up with the mess in the house.  A special thanks to Bev's husband that drilled holes in those acorns - he went above & beyond the call of duty

Saturnalia

As I was driving home this evening, I saw a beautiful full moon rising.   Shortly after that, I heard Garrison Keillor state on Writer's Almanac that today was the start of the ancient Roman festival, Saturnalia.  I have been reading a book that Nora brought to our attention while we were doing our Green Man decorations for the tree, The Winter Solstice, The Sacred Traditions of Christmas  by John Matthews.  The book states that Saturnalia was celebrated from about the second century B.C. to fourth century A.D.  Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture & time & it's believed his name came from the Latin word satus (to sow). Saturnalia lasted from December 17 thru December 24th and apparently was a time of "rioutous assemblage of fun, laughter, & gift giving."   It is worth mentioning during this cold, dark time of year.  The Solstice is next week & while there is darkness & cold, this is also a reason to celebrate.  The sun will be coming back soon.  So celebrate & enjoy these last days of darkness with light.   

Birds in Holiday Lore

BIRDS IN HOLIDAY LORE  

❈ Some believe that hanging a cardinal on your Christmas tree brings good luck for the coming year. Cardinals are also a symbol of hope.
❈ The 17th century song, "The Twelve days of Christmas", is full of birds and symbols representing them. The five gold rings refer to Ring-necked Pheasants. Four "calling birds" is a misnomer for "colly," or blackbirds.

Source All Seasons Wild Bird Store
Bird's Eye View  Volume 20, Issue 6  November/December, 2013

Some herbie festivities

Our holiday party was a great success.  Lots of delicious food, as usual -herbies can cook.  A Big Thank You to Charlotte for hosting, whose glass tree collection is lovely.

Solstice Tree

Our solsticers were hard at work last week decorating the gigantic tree at the Arboretum.  Our tree decor was based on the Green Man & the Solstice.   Watch for additional close up pictures & info throughout the coming weeks.