The start of autumn in the northern hemisphere, is marked by night and day being of nearly the same length; this occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator. This year, 2007, the
Autumn Equinox occurs on September 23; of course, the Southern hemisphere welcomes spring and lengthening hours of daylight.
It is not surprising that such a significant astronomical event should be celebrated by pagan religions such as Wicca. The year's crops are harvested, tribute is paid to the sun and mother earth, and preparation is made for the impending days of darkness. The Wicca name for the Autumn Equinox is Mabon, it is called Mea'n Fo'mhair by the Druids who pay homage to the Green Man.
Harvest festivals and celebrations are commonplace throughout the northern hemisphere and ancient harvest customs are still widely practiced throughout Europe. Central to many of these is the Corn Dolly or John Barleycorn, which is said to contain the spirit of the grain; notoriously portrayed in the Wicca Man. There is a modern day Wicca Man festival in Scotland but this has little to do with religion or the Autumn Equinox and will form the subject of a future post.
Labels: 2007, Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Druids, festival, Green Man, harvest, Mabon, Wicca
Champagne is arguably the world's most glamorous sparkling wine and visitors from all over the world visit the region to discover the secrets and traditions of champagne. Reims and Epernay are the most famous towns in the region and therefore the most natural places to visit for a Champagne break. But it is worth following the 'Route Touristique du Champagne' to discover tiny towns and villages nestling in the hills, where numerous small growers produce their own champagnes.
During the grape harvest in September, several vineyard owners organise grape picking days for visitors. It will usually begin with a hearty breakfast before setting to work picking the grapes, work that is rewarded with lunch, followed by a tour of the cellars and a well deserved tasting. A small charge is made for these grape picking lessons of between €30 and €50 per person.
Further detailsPassengers arriving at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris can take a TGV (High Speed Train) for for a quick, 30 minute ride to the heart of the Champagne-Ardenne region.
Links to many
Wine Tasting Tours are to be found in our database.
Labels: Champagne, France, grape, harvest, tours, wine
