To the Ancient Irish, the Twelve Days of Christmas were once known as Omen Days, or “Lae na Cealmhaine." On each day between December 26th and January 6th, the landscape was closely observed for signs. These are days of prediction for the upcoming year. Each of the twelve days was assigned to a month, offering an opportunity to forsee events that would occur in each month.
December 26 - January
December 27 - February
December 28 - March
December 29 - April
December 30 - May
December 31 - June
January 1 - July
January 2 - August
January 3 - September
January 4 - October
January 5 - November
January 6 - December
This practice stems from a time when our ancestors understood our interconnectedness within the web of life. This period after the winter solstice, is liminal, open to the ancestors and the spiritual realm. Everything around us, especially in the landscape, communicates and speaks to us but we have to be paying attention. Pair these observations with intention, and we can gather signs and omens from the world around us to divine the year to come.
It was customary to go out into the landscape and take time to observe. This included listening to birds, observing the movement and behavior of animals, or sometimes just watching how the day unfolded. Sometimes, the Omen will provide a clear message, while other times, reflection and journaling are necessary.
As intercalary days, these days were added to the calendar to align the solar calendar with the Roman. As such, this practice represents a time out of time, where each day holds prophetic significance for the month ahead. Spend some quiet time outside on each of these days and watch closely for your Omens. By honoring these traditions, we tap into the rich tapestry of ancestral wisdom that continues to resonate today.
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