Kala-Hañv

Kala-Hañv is one of the four great seasonal "FIre Festivals" marked by the Path of the Forest , the others being Emwalc'h, Gouel Eost and Kalan-Goañv. It is celebrated in thematic opposition to Kalan-Goañv, marking the transition from Winterrule to Summerrule. It is a celebration of renewal and reawakening, with many rituals intended to encourage growth and fertility, while warding off misfortune and malice.

History

Kala-Hañv is the festival marking the beginning of summer, when the cattle are driven out into the fields.

Execution

Like Kalan Goañv, bonfires are lit atop hills in significant locations, the flames used to light all the other fires in the town anew.
[H2]The Cleaning of the Byre[/H2]

Local tradition in Letha dictates the cows are especially susceptible to curses during this period of time, with witches, demons and mischievous fair folk using the the time to steal the Foyson of the cow's milk or butter for the entire year at once. To prevent this, cattle are driven from their sheds on 41 Gwenngaouenn, the eve of the holiday period, which are then cleaned thoroughly and ritually cleansed.

Once the cows are outside, they are driven through twin bonfires, cleansing them of lingering magic. As a result of this, many farmers take the time to show off their herds and facilities during this time, and a major market has sprung up for the trade of cattle following Kala-Hañv. During the festival their horns are decorated with yellow gorse.

A fire, similar to those used in the Gathering of the Corners is lit at the entrance to the cowshed. The shed is decorated with elderberry branches and a arch of bramble is placed over the entrance. Cows are driven through this arch backwards into the shed.

On 45 Gwenngaouenn, the cows are milked, the yield considered to be the best of the year, and likewise the most tempting for thieves.

In parts of Letha, milkmaids run naked through pasture fields, filling their churns with dew collected to sweeten the milk. This practice has been vehemently discouraged by the Church and has fallen out of fashion among many Faithful communities. It is still practiced by some Druids and Korrigan, most notoriously the Fées-des-Houles.

No milk may be shared outside the household on Kalan-Hanv, as it is a gift from the cows to their farmers and their families.

[H2]The Gathering of the Corners[/H2]

In the early mornings, branches of bay, raspberry, elderberry and laurel are collected, then burned with scraps of old leather in brass pots, placed in each corner of a home. A little salt is thrown into each fire.

[H2]The Pardons
Four Pardons take place during the festival, each directed towards a cardinal direction (Black, Light, White and Pale). These start at a central point and end at some significant place, such as a standing stone, sacred pool, tree or chapel.

Miscellaneous Traditions

Sacred wells, springs and pools are said to have special divinatory powers, revealing the face of a future lover, whether a lover is faithful or if death is near. The specifics of each well vary by local folklore, but wells hold a special significance during Kala-Hañv and are sought out.

Baking bread and doing laundry do not take place during this time, as it will invite misfortune upon the household.

Ash Trees, the home of fiery spirits, may be harvested during the celebration as the spirits are drawn to the large bonfires.

Local traditions

In the Kontelezh Pentevr, especially in Sant-Brioc, specific Hawthorne trees are circled three times sunwise by maidens looking to secure romance in the coming year.

In the March of Coglais, a similar tradition is made replacing the Hawthorne with a local Menhir. Unmarried people of any sex circle the rock, three times carrying a small bowl of water. They then climb the rock and slide down. Those who complete the circuit without spilling water are promised a happy and prosperous marriage within the year.

Components and tools

Barrin ar Gwenngaouenn - A specially cut beech branch is hung over the lintel of dwellings, hen-houses, stables and bread ovens. Cowsheds are the notable exception, having their own rituals. This branch is thought to ward off bad luck for the coming Summerule. Gateways into fields also often have these branches for similar reasons.

When the Barrin ar Gwenngaouenn is woven with White Tears, a white, bell-shaped flower, it is given as a gift as a sign of desired courtship or a continued relationship. These are left against the door in such a way that they fall inside the doorway when the door is opened, or otherwise placed to be the first thing the intended recipient sees upon leaving their house.

Greenery is a common motif in decoration, and green clothing is often worn during the festivities. Doors and windows are commonly decorated with yellow flowers, most commonly gorse.

Elderberry and raspberry drinks and foods are commonly served throughout the festivities.

Observance

Kala-Hañv marks the transition between Winterrule and Summerule, taking place from 42 Gwenngaouenn until 3 Bleuñvadegou, peaking on 45 Gwenngaouenn, which marks the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solistice.

Primary Related Location

The Armorican Peninsula

Related Organizations

• The Path of the Forest