Hearthcraft for the equinox (cont.)

Happy spring! Luckily I was able to perform a bit of hearthcraft this weekend and bake a braided bread to celebrate the equinox. As you can imagine, as a symbol of life and nourishment, bread holds an important place in folk magic.

Due to its historical significance, grain has long been associated with death and life. In Appalachia, the home of death lore, one superstition states that cutting through a hole in a loaf of bread signifies an imminent loss.

On the positive side, due to its simplicity and availability, bread was often used as a vehicle for folk healing. Slices were soaked in a healing agent (such as vinegar, wine, etc.) and administered to the sick (it might either be eaten or applied to the body). It was likewise a common tool in spellwork—one ritual involves pressing a key and a note with your beloved’s name into a slice of bread, soaking it in honey, and burying it to attract love.

When I was growing up in the Orthodox church, braided breads were always a part of the Easter celebrations. They were the centerpieces of the ornate baskets that we set up in the church basement to be blessed. Sometimes, red eggs were pressed into the dough before baking.

The braiding itself can be a spiritual act, making it perfect for hearthcraft. The “strands” of dough wrap around one another like arms intertwined, an expression of love. The weaving is also a good vehicle for repeated prayers.

Of course, the knots of bread also make perfect offerings, helpful for keeping Expedite in check. Sending you many blessings for a fruitful, nourishing, abundant spring.