Blessings

I'm teaching a workshop
entitled BLESSINGS in Haliburton, Ontario this Saturday. I've been busy preparing for it by gathering hand dyed velvets and cottons for the participants.

I was inspired to make these small folk-art pieces by the wonderful Scottish poem printed below. The Hogmany (New Year’s Eve) was celebrated with greater enthusiasm than Christmas in Scotland and traditionally this blessing was said on New Year’s eve after the house was cleaned.

Hogmany Blessing

The blessing of God upon this house.
The blessing of Jesus upon this house.
The blessing of the Spirit upon this house.
The blessing of Brighid upon this house.
The blessing of Michael upon this house.
The blessing of Mary upon this house.
The blessing of Columba upon this house.
On man and woman
On spouse and child
On old and young
On maiden and youth
With plenty of food
And plenty of drink
With plenty of beds
And plenty of ale
With many riches
And much cheer
With many kin
And length of life
Ever upon it.