Sic Transit Gloria Christmas
Well, today is the feast of the Purification which marks the end of the Christmas season and the start of the brief interlude before Great and Holy Lent. To quote Robert Herrick (1591–1674):
Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and mistletoe;
Down with the holly, ivy, all,
Wherewith ye dress’d the Christmas Hall.
—Ceremony upon Candlemas Eve
Today I took down my Christmas decorations. I’d a cool pine swag with lights and all over the fireplace, which I took down and burnt. I’d also a small live tree which was given me by my farmers; I’ve kept the tree but removed the garland and ornament it had borne. I’d already removed my advent calendar after Twelfth Night.
And so begins the wait until the Resurrection.
