While everyone in the Netherlands is discussing the wolves re-entering and reclaiming their place in our country, other animals are even entering our cities without humans so much as blinking their eyes. The same is happening in other places in Europe. Danish researchers noticed how in a couple of cities hare populations are thriving. The … Continue reading Hares in the city
folklore
Re-Enchantment during Halloween
The American celebration of Halloween is spreading all over the Western world, it seems. At least in the Netherlands, where I live, it has reached mainstream culture. Last month, stores sold creepy decoration and many a Halloween party could be visited in your favourite spooky outfit. Halloween as American import I’ve noticed there are two … Continue reading Re-Enchantment during Halloween
Zwarte Piet/Black Pete, a short history+update on the cultural debate
As many undoubtedly know, the celebration of Sinterklaas has been the centre of a heated cultural debate in the Netherlands in the past years. It was not so much about Sinterklaas himself, but mostly about his help, Zwarte Piet - or Black Pete in English. According to some (and later many) Piet was sorely in … Continue reading Zwarte Piet/Black Pete, a short history+update on the cultural debate
Holda’s visit
Finally, winter has shown its pale face here in the Netherlands. Last week, temperatures dropped below zero (seems almost a miracle these days). The earth , plants and trees were covered in a glittering blue layer of frost, which became all the more enchanting when the rising sun shone its pink-golden light over the world. … Continue reading Holda’s visit
The magic of landscapes
When starting this website, I wanted to focus as much as possible on Dutch heathenism, witchcraft and folklore. I soon stumbled upon a problem: 'the Netherlands' as we now know them are only 200 years old. The borders we have now were unheard of in ancient times. What's more, many people who lived in this … Continue reading The magic of landscapes
New book: Arcadia Britannica – a modern British folklore portrait
A wonderful looking new release from Thames & Hudson, one of my favorite publishers. Henry Bourne has a great track record as a potrait photographer. In Arcadia Britannica he depicts the colorful characters from British folklore as they are portrayed by people from all over the island. Green men, horn dancers and other creatures abound! … Continue reading New book: Arcadia Britannica – a modern British folklore portrait
thimsternisse 