Welcoming the changing seasons together
Across Camphill Village Trust communities, the turning of the seasons is marked not just by the land around us, but by the moments we share together. Recently, communities in the North and Gloucestershire came together to celebrate Candlemas (also known as Imbolc), a festival that welcomes the return of light and the early signs of spring.
Rooted in nature, creativity and community, these celebrations reflected our shared ethos of living and working in harmony with the natural world.
Candlemas in Croft and Botton Village
People from Botton Village travelled to join their friends at the Croft in Malton, creating a joyful gathering that marked the start of spring and the slow warming of the earth.
Together, people celebrated by making St Brigid’s crosses, traditionally symbols of protection and hope for a good harvest. These crosses were gently pushed into the soil, connecting the craft directly to the land and the season ahead.
The group also made earth candles, representing the earth warming as winter begins to loosen its grip. Willow cuttings brought from Botton Village were planted in the Croft garden, leaving a living reminder of the day and a shared commitment to caring for the land.
The celebration was also an exchange of gifts and friendship. People from Botton Village created willow St Brigid’s crosses to give to the Croft, while the Croft gifted handmade willow bird feeders for Botton to take home. These thoughtful gestures symbolised connection, generosity and the strength of relationships between communities.
Everyone involved had a wonderful time and is already looking forward to celebrating together again.
Coming together in Gloucestershire
In Gloucestershire, people from The Grange Village, Oaklands Park and the Lydney community gathered in the Grange Village gardens for their own Candlemas celebration.
The event offered a valuable opportunity for people from different sites to come together, share stories and reflect on what Candlemas means to them.
Set within the gardens, the celebration highlighted the importance of being outdoors and connected to nature; a core part of life across our communities.
Nature, community and a Life of Opportunity
These Candlemas celebrations are a wonderful example of how Camphill Village Trust communities mark the seasons through nature-based arts and crafts and meaningful time together.
By engaging with the natural world, planting willow, crafting with natural materials and celebrating seasonal change, people are supported to express themselves creatively, build confidence and feel part of something bigger. Just as importantly, these moments strengthen community bonds and create opportunities for people to come together.
As the days slowly grow longer, Candlemas reminds us of hope, renewal and the opportunities that come with change; values that sit at the heart of Camphill Village Trust and our commitment to creating a life of opportunity for everyone we support.
