The distaff festival marks the resumption of household chores on January 7 in Europe, twelve days after Christmas. The distaff, which was used to spin textile materials, was the symbol of women's work in the Middle Ages.

distaff festival

The Distaff Festival, resumption of labor

This custom, which honours spinners in several European countries, dates back to the Middle Ages and was used to mark the resumption of household chores. Max Buchon made it into a popular song in 1878.

To your distaff with the white ribbon,

Run, run for your lover

The pleated shirt he will wear

Soon when he marries you.

 

To your distaff with the blue ribbon,

Go on, praying to God

The dawn of the blessed old priest

Who will tell you: “I unite you!”

 

To your distaff with the green ribbon,

Give the tablecloth to a hundred place settings

On which, with such good heart,

We will drink to your happiness.

 

To your distaff with the gray ribbon,

Run, run the sheets of the bed,

For your little room where you alone,

He and you will cross the threshold.

 

To your distaff with the golden ribbon

Keep going and going again

Crushes, diapers, swimsuits

For your first big baby.

 

To your distaff with the red ribbon,

Give me a soft hemp handkerchief

Which will be used to wipe

Your eyes when they want to cry.

 

To your distaff with the black ribbon,

File, without letting it be seen too much,

The shroud in which, when you die;

One of us will wrap you up.

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Today, Europeans celebrate the resumption of work after the twelve days of Christmas. The distaff festival, which was used to spin textiles, is the symbol of women's work during the Middle Ages. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #7January #distaff #europe

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Distaff Festival