A very rainy view of the extensive gardens here at Dolores Delargo Towers today.
Oh dear, another landmark of impending autumn is upon us - today is the feast of Michaelmas, ostensibly a date marked by the "fact" that the asters ("Michaelmas daisies") are the only plants coming into flower now. Ugly things, they are, too. Our garden on the other hand, albeit battered by the intermittent downpours we're getting lately, is still sparkling with salvias, bizzie-lizzies, thunbergia and fuchsias (and more besides).
Michaelmas myths and facts:
- In many countries, today is when Harvest Festival celebrations take place.
- Traditionally a special meal of "stubble-goose", i.e. one prepared around harvest time, was consumed. This allegedly began because Queen Elizabeth I was in the middle of a meal of goose when she was informed of the defeat of the Spanish Armada on this day.
- In Scotland a special bread or cake, Sruthan Mhìcheil or Michaelmas Bannock (made with barley, oats, and rye without using any metal implements) was blessed in remembrance of absent friends or those who had died.
- In the City of London, Michaelmas is the day when the new Lord Mayor of London is elected.
- Blackberries should not be picked after today, apparently - because when St Michael expelled Lucifer from heaven he fell from the skies and landed in a prickly bramble bush, which he cursed, scorched them with his fiery breath, stamped, spat and urinated on them, so that they would be unfit for eating.
- From Victorian times it was believed that Michaelmas was the best day to plant trees, for them to grow well.
And, in one of my customary "convoluted connections" to mark the occasion, here's a most appropriate "Michael" to sing for us:
Fab.