#MarcellusWilliams faces execution on 9/24 for a crime that DNA proves he didn’t commit. Join me, @innocence, and @the_mip in taking action to prevent this irreversible injustice. #SaveMarcellus https://t.co/kXbxSIOAPV
"The meaning of the key:
Married women had a very strong position in the pre-Christian era and had pretty much equal rights as the men, and keys helped express this.
Sadly when Christianity took over in Scandinavia, these rights and equality disappeared.
When a couple was married, the wife was given a set of keys to symbolize her new status – “given to lock and key,” as it was called.
The shiny bronze keys hung in full sight on her clothing, along with a small knife or a pair of scissors.
The literature also tells us that all rich married Viking women carried keys amongst their personal items.
The key symbolised the woman’s status as housewife and chief of the household.
The majority of the keys come from women’s graves.
They represent a range of different types, made of iron, bronze, or a combination.
Most of the finds are bronze or iron keys with two bends, which were used in the latter Viking Era.
But the key can also represent just what it does. Unlocking things considering the findings we have from graves.
But did you know that this is also where the old superstition that you should never put your keys on a table because it meant bad luck comes from?
If a man put his Keys on the table, it could considered that he wanted the woman to be his wife and in charge of his household."
via Njordkraft Community
Picture:
Keys in bronze found in graves from Viking Age on the Island Gotland, Sweden
#Norse #Viking #Sweden #Folklore
"Imbolc is traditionally celebrated on February 1st and 2nd. It is a Celtic festival that marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The actual date may vary slightly among different traditions and individuals, but it is commonly observed on February 1st or 2nd.
Celebrating Imbolc can involve a variety of activities and rituals that honor the themes of light, growth, and the coming of spring. Here are some ideas for what you can say or do to celebrate Imbolc:
𝟭. 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀: Since Imbolc is associated with the returning light, lighting candles can be a central part of your celebration. Consider using candles in colors like white, yellow, or red to represent the increasing sunlight.
𝟮. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗱'𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀: Brigid is a Celtic goddess associated with Imbolc, and creating a Brigid's Cross is a traditional craft for this festival. It's a symbol of protection and is often hung in homes.
𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗿: Decorate your altar with symbols of Imbolc, such as candles, snowdrops, and other early spring flowers. Include items that represent the theme of new beginnings.
𝟰. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹: Imbolc is a time for cleansing and purifying. You can do a ritual bath, smudging, or any other purification practice to symbolize the clearing away of the old and making way for the new.
𝟱. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀: Imbolc is also associated with the first signs of spring and the potential for growth. Consider planting seeds indoors or in a garden as a symbolic act of nurturing new life.
𝟲. 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹: Prepare a meal using seasonal ingredients. Dairy foods, grains, and early spring vegetables are often associated with Imbolc.
𝟳. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Take some time to reflect on your goals and intentions for the coming months. Consider what you want to bring into your life and what you want to let go of.
𝟴. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Spend time outdoors, whether it's taking a walk in nature, gardening, or simply appreciating the changing seasons. Imbolc is a time to reconnect with the natural world.
𝟵. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Imbolc is a time for inspiration and creativity. Read poetry or literature that reflects the themes of light, growth, and renewal.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: If you're comfortable, consider celebrating Imbolc with friends or a community. Share your intentions, thoughts, and experiences with others who may also be observing the festival.
Remember that Imbolc is a time for personal reflection and connection to nature, so feel free to adapt these suggestions to fit your own beliefs and preferences."
via Larae Maraney
#Imbolc
Here are some of our favorite collective names for animals:
a murder of crows
a tuxedo of penguins
a bask of crocodiles
a destruction of cats
a tower of giraffes
a parliament of owls
a cackle of hyenas
a smack of jellyfish
an ambush of tigers
a wisdom of wombats
Natural azurite/malachite, also known as azurmalachite, is a stunning stone formed by the combination of two distinct minerals: azurite and malachite.
Photo: Chineseminerals
A huge disappointment. India’s Supreme Court has declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
The Indian government should ensure that same-sex couples have legal recognition, equal rights, and access to social protection.
At Amazon, we believe everyone has the right to marry who they love. As early and strong supporters for marriage equality, we are pleased to see Congress advance the Respect for Marriage Act with bipartisan support and look forward to @POTUS signing it into law.