An ancient talisman

Ilex aquifolium is the Latin name for holly. Alfredo Cattabiani in his book "Florario" writes that the ancient Romans brought branches of holly during Saturnalia, the days before the winter solstice, as talismans against evil spells.

An echo of this tradition has reached us and in the present holly is a symbol of Christmas.

I think it is a good omen to write again on this blog with a post dedicated to holly.

During the past days I've prepared some miniatures with little paper leaves and tiny handpainted berries. The writing NOEL is already gone in UK, the two wreaths are in my shop and the greeting bunch will follow them on tomorrow and then... what is that question mark?

Curious ;)

I'm back

Winter is coming, the sun goes to bed early and the dark hours grow. I cannot work under the electric light so I have decided to write on my blog in the afternoon and I hope don't give up this time :D

Una splendida sorpresa!

 This Christmas Etsy Italia Team has organized a game and some team mates send to me lovely gifts :)

Here what I've found near my Christmas tree:

Atelierpompadour

Bijouxdellostregatto

Biberta

Callmemimi

Cloudnumbernine

Frannyshome

Knittingcate

Kosmika

Lunabluandco

Magdathesheep

Notforeat

Orlosubito

Passionarte

Petitefraise

This card is handpainted by di Petitefraise's sister

Relydesign

Vivislab

The greatest surprise is these two pins handamde by  Etherealflowers and Ireneagh


Thank you form my very heart to:Alicecloset
Annalouvintage
Atelierpompadour
Biberta
Bijouxdellostregatto
Callmemimi
Cloudnumbernine
Elenasloom
Etherealflowers
Frannyshome
Handmadeinitaly
Ireneagh
Kosmika
Magdathesheep
Lunabluandco
Madamarobè
Notforeat
Orlosubito
Passionarte
Petitefraise
Relydesign
Teconlene
Themuubear
Vivislab

Baratto: offro...

I'm taking part to the exchange prganized by Orlosubito on her blog: Orlosubito

Here my earrings, two tiny cows and two tiny sheeps made out of polymer clay

Halloween

Here you are a post that I've written last year fort the Etsy Italia Team blog about Halloween, with new info.

This is a very ancient festival, linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-an or sow-in) that means "summer's end" in Gaelic language. During the night all the fires were doused and then lit again thanks to a large Bonfire were bones of slaugthered animals burned. The border between our world and the Otherwolrd became thin, mankind and supernatural creatures may meet, walk the same paths, eat the same food supplies (the traditional trick or treat). Both harmless and harmful spirits might pass through the border, so to avoid harm, humans disguises theirselves with costumes and masks.

Cherrypieartstamps

Signoraluna

After the Christianization Samhain was replaced by All Saints' Day and finally named Halloween (from "All Hollows Eve) from the XV century in England.
Nowadays Halloween is very famous in the United States and in Europe, the birthplace, it is back in the last years.
In many villages of Italy the tradition of the coming back of the dead, often walking in procession in the 2nd of November night, and lighting a candel inside a pumpkin, get Halloween similar to All Saints' Day.

So tonight, remember to lit a candle and put it on your window, it will show the way to your Ancestors, then put on a costume or a mask so harmful spirits can't touch you!




BOO!

Sealight

1. Mermaid - CloudNumberNine
2. Wave island necklace - Chickslab
3. Mermaid Tears - LaPerlaa
4. Spuma di mare Earrings - Betsy

I follow your voice, mermaids, to see the light of the sea.

Five best blogs

Yesterday I had a wonderful surprise, a prize for my blog, the first one :D
Ilenia give me it. She is a crafter, her handpainted ceramic pendants and creations are so beautiful and delicate, please, visit her:

Blog
Etsy shop



Now I have to give the prize to five blogs. It is a hard choice, I know a lot of wonderful blogs, but here you are the five winners:

Alicecloset
Celidonia
Cuori di pietra
Etherealflowers
Fiorejewelry

I have chosen them because they are poetic, their blogs have a beautiful graphics and theay are sweet persons :)