By Kate Hodges
15th March 2023
EVENT SPRING IS COMING
It’s the spring equinox on Monday, a time to connect to stop and connect to the natural world, as well as celebrate with family and friends. This is a festival of balance; of light and dark, of Sun and Moon, the inner and outer world and the balance within ourselves. Why not celebrate by choosing a place to run wild in the wind, making a spring shrine of growing flowers, meditating among the trees and greeting the nature spirits of flowers and herbs? You might even test the old wives’ tale that the Equinox is the only time you can balance an egg on its end.
We’ve got some great ideas for marking it here and equinox wild wisdom from Glennie Kindred here, or why not find inspiration by reading how it is celebrated around the world.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could head to the druidic ceremony at Tower Hill in London on the day itself, or there are exciting celebrations planned in Belfast on March 25.
In some parts of the country, it’s traditional to drink dandelion and burdock cordial at this time of the year – it was thought in ancient times to cleanse the blood – find a recipe here, or a more adult treat of dandelion and burdock beer here.
EVENT, MAKE DEAR MOTHER
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday. In the past, young workers in service to more well-off families were allowed home to visit their families – often the only day off they’d get in a year. They’d take presents home – a posy of flowers, some cake from the kitchens, or some eggs from the chickens.
Why not try an different kind of celebration this year? We’ve got ideas here that include making a simnel cake together or foraging for dandelion roots and making coffee. You’ll also find inspiration for planet-friendly, meaningful presents.
It’s always rewarding to make gifts for your mother or mother figures in your life? Perhaps you might repurpose a pretty bottle into a reed diffuser or bake some Mother’s Day treats. Alternatively, give the gift of a relaxing bath with this home-made Lemon Sage Epsom Bath Soak. Or why not have a charity shop forage then pour your own cute tea-cup candle?This Mother’s Day, why not take some time to consider how to thrive as a parent. Beth Berry is a life coach and passionate advocate for the reclamation of motherhood through building community. Read her thoughts here, find out about radical rest for new mothers here, mindful mothering here, or how we might take a radical approach to motherhood here.
RECIPE AND DO LAVER LOVE
Many regard March 17 as the first day of the seaweed picking season. Why not head to the coast to track down some of this tasty, nutrient-packed sea vegetable (eating more of it for brain health has been recommended only this week). There are good guides to foraging here and here and a guide to edible seaweeds here. Take inspiration from these recipes and try yours on pizza, as pesto, or to add a salty kick to sesame roasted cashews. If you have dry hands, try popping the bubbles of the bladderwrack and rubbing the oil into your hands – it’s a great natural moisturiser – try this recipe for a home-made calming face cream.
We are a little obsessed with Pepper Dulse, the “truffle of the sea” which has a delicate garlicky flavour. Find more about its appeal and learn to identify it here, and discover recipes for Pepper Dulse Cheese and dried pepper dulse (it makes an excellent seasoning) here.
EVENT AND MAKE IRISH EYES
St Patrick’s Day is this Friday; find more about the myths and truths behind the man here and how the event is celebrated here. There are parties across the country; dance at a family ceili at London’s Irish Centre, join a street party at Coatbridge in Scotland or join in the huge celebrations in Belfast.
Why not make some decorations to mark the day? The craft ideas here are easy for little hands, and very sweet. We love the paper plate rainbow. Alternatively, play some Patrick-themed games; lucky charms catapults look a lot of fun!
Many people choose to celebrate the occasion by eating green food. Emerald munchies can be fun, but food colourings aren’t the healthiest of things to ingest. Try green monster bread or vitamin-packed green smoothies instead (this is our go-to recipe), tasty Courgette, Feta and Spinach Fritters or these Matcha Green Tea Coconut Pancakes.
EVENT LITTER PICKIN’ GOOD
Keep Britain Tidy’s #bigbagchallenge is simple. Between March 17 and April 2, pledge to pick up as much litter as you can. The Great British Spring Clean aims to protect the environment and create more inviting neighbourhoods. Make your pledge as an individual, group or school here and find more advice here.
WHAT WE’RE EATING INCREDIBLE VEGGIE BURGERS Who doesn’t love a black bean burger? Here I’ve gone with a little Caribbean twist—not just frijoles negros (that’s black beans to you), but black–eyed peas, too. And instead of the usual cumin and friends, I use a healthy dose of Jamaican curry powder. Topped with a sweet nectarine salsa, this tastes like a fabulous island vacay. Unless you already live on a beautiful tropical island, in which case it tastes like home. Find the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING ‘Don’t blame the young for being moody’ - and seven other ways to nurture healthy teenage minds “Adolescence is a time of great change, with everything from sleep to social media impacting on growth. Psychologist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore explains how to support positive habits.” Read more here
