The season of snow, rest and new intentions... The coldest and darkest season of the year, the earth's axis tilts so that the hemisphere is furthest away from the sun. Nature slows down, with plant life becoming dormant, gathering and storing energy for spring growth. Some animals store food for winter, while others grow thicker coats. Various celebrations counteract the darkness and the changing of the year is a marked moment. Cultural Calendar Meteorological Season: 1st December - 28th/29th February Astronomical Season - Winter Solstice: 21st December Day/Night Length: Daylight hours are shortest and night time is longest, occurring on the Winter Solstice. After this, day length increases and night length decreases as the season progresses. Chinese Calendar: Starts on or around Lidong 7th November, ending at Lichun (3rd - 5th February). Indian Calendar: November and December are the Pre-Winter season, Hemant Ritu, followed by Shishir Ritu, the Winter season in January and February. Celtic Calendar: Know as Geimhreadh, this runs from the festival of Samhain on 1st November and continues until January. Winter Celebrations: Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day. Seasonal Good Mood Food: Kale Dark leafy greens have been long known for their health-boosting qualities, and kale is no exception. It also happens to promote better mental health, too. It has various nutrients that contribute: Vitamin B6, Niacin (Vitamin B3) work with the amino acid tryptophan to produce serotonin, as well as aiding better sleep. Folate has a crucial role in brain development and Beta-carotene feature among others. The high levels of antioxidants also help boost the overall sense of optimism. Seasonal Tea Break: Mood Boosting Blend Counter the winter blues with: Green Tea - Includes an amino acid, Theanine, that encourages relaxation and helps boost cognition. Saffron - Effective in helping to combat anxiety and low moods, as well as helping improve sleep quality. Cardamom - Used in traditional medicine to help improve mental clarity and relieve stress with its warming, calming effects. Four Scents Winter Hero Bring a gentle glow and banish the darkness with our beautiful Winter Rest Candle. Made with soya wax, this gives it a clean, even and long-lasting burn with excellent fragrance holding qualities. Our essential oil blend captures the essence of rest, roots and purity. It combines warming spices of cinnamon and clove, the grounding elements of cedarwood and spikenard, while oudh and vetiver bring a smoky and deeply relaxing touch.
