Winter, between shadow and light

This season, often unloved for its temperatures and darkness, is nevertheless a source of hope and beauty. It's a time of year that is necessary for nature, for us, for everything! Let's dive in together to discover the secrets of winter...

1. Astronomically, what is it?
2. Nature has not said its last word
3. It's time to celebrate!
4. We pamper ourselves

1. Astronomically, what is it?

Everything revolves around the Sun! The Earth's position and tilt (at 23.5°) give rise to the seasons. The beginning of winter is marked by the December solstice, the time of year when the top of the Earth's rotational axis is furthest from the Sun. This means that on the other side, to the south, the Earth's rotational axis is closest to our star: it's summer!

This particular moment often falls on December 21. In the north, it marks the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the coldest temperatures, because, as we recall, this part of the Earth is then further from the Sun.

Interesting fact: In Quebec, we often hear that winter is very long. In fact, it is the shortest season with 88 days (compared to 93 days for summer).

2. Nature has not said its last word

Winter in Quebec doesn't allow for growing plants outdoors, without a greenhouse. It's precisely the perfect season to rest, take stock of the past season in order to better plan for the upcoming one. At Sauvage-s, we love this moment of reflection, but also of daydreaming as we imagine our future garden and its inhabitants!

Seed collections are just waiting to be completed by browsing the offerings of local seed companies. What a pleasant window shopping experience, since its purpose is to awaken life! We advise you to use organic seed companies or those who at least certify that they do not use pesticides. Here are some ideas: Semences du Portage , Jardin des Vie-la-joie , Écoumène , Société des plantes , Tourne-Sol , le Noyau .

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Fortunately, for wild harvest fanatics, nature, albeit asleep, still has treasures to share! Berries need to shiver to concentrate their sugar, for example. Cranberries, rosehips, viburnum trilobata (pimbina), sea buckthorn, and barberry are therefore best picked after the first frosts. Another harvesting idea, and not the least: dune pepper (curly alder). When it dries and turns black on the branches, it is good to be picked and dried to enhance your dishes. The thorns of our precious conifers can also be picked during the winter (balsam fir, spruce). Moreover, it is possible to collect the resin that has solidified on the bark to use it as natural incense. We finish with another kind of living being: a mushroom. And yes, chaga (oblique polypore) can be harvested in winter! Good news for mycologists looking for a treasure hunt...

3. It's time to celebrate!

The seasons have always inspired traditions and beliefs. Certain celebrations therefore return at regular intervals, to the rhythm of the Earth's dance with the Sun. We will focus on pagan festivals because they have a strong connection with plants and the seasons. Indeed, paganism is inherent to the peasant world and takes the form of a polytheistic cult, focused on nature. It is present in several parts of the world, with different gods.

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Yule

It is celebrated on the day of the December solstice, which often falls on December 21. From a sacred perspective, in Nordic countries, it is the goddess Frigg who gives birth to the sun. The symbolism is very beautiful since we celebrate the longest night, but above all the return of light, which will become increasingly prominent from the following day. There is therefore a lot of hope and warmth associated with Yule. We move forward by making plans with enthusiasm and we do not regret the past. Concretely, we share a good meal with our loved ones and burn candles until the end of the night to invite the light to return. Sharing is also central: we give what we have in excess and we help our neighbor. Among the rituals and objects associated with Yule are the Yule log (which is burned overnight, keeping a piece to light the following year's log), the tree decorated with natural elements, and the wreath of conifer branches to hang on the front door.

Imbolc

February 1st is celebrated as the goddess rests after giving birth, but also as the light returns, ever more present and intense, in the guise of the newborn god. This celebration also calls for candles, but milk is added for motherhood. As supplies dwindle, feasts are not organized, but dishes and desserts with butter, cream, and milk are served instead. Unlike Yule, where rest and reflection are the order of the day, with Imbolc, we begin to get active, we sort, we tidy. All this to prepare for the coming season.

4. Mandatory pampering

New routine

As you can see, winter is a time to refocus. It's no longer the time to spend entire days and evenings outside, getting active. It's more the time to take care of yourself, think about the future, and prepare for the year to start it off on the right foot. There's no pressure, of course; everything can be done gently and at your own pace.

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Health

Health-wise, the immune system is weakened by the cold and dry air, but also by the lack of sunlight and a generally less varied and balanced diet. Don't panic because plants will help you get through this period where the key word is to protect yourself!

Before revealing our tips, here's a quick reminder. Don't overlook the benefits of getting outdoors! It's good for oxygenating your body and brain, but also for your morale and ensuring you get enough vitamin D.

Some useful plants

Here is a selection of plants that we find particularly interesting for winter ailments (hair on the chive).

The warmers

To brave the low temperatures, nothing beats cayenne pepper and ginger! They stimulate blood circulation. But that's not all: the chili pepper regulates temperature, while the ginger is a general tonic for the body.

Nutritives

To support your body and make it stronger, you need... nutrients! Nettle and red clover are good candidates for strengthening your body because they're nutritious. Nettle also contains a lot of minerals and is a general tonic. As for red clover, it boosts immunity and purifies the body.

The protectors

To effectively combat pathogens, thyme and echinacea can be good allies. Both immunostimulants have complementary actions. Thyme has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. Echinacea is anti-inflammatory and helps regulate temperature and mucus secretion.

Conifers

We couldn't leave out these trees, so abundant in Quebec and always green, even in winter. Pines, firs, and spruce have very interesting properties for this season: rich in vitamin C, antiseptic, allies of the respiratory system, anti-rheumatic. And the magic of it all is that you can use the needles, but also the young shoots and the gum!

What are we eating?

To end this article on a high note, we're going to talk about a few plants to incorporate into your meals. Root vegetables, readily available in winter, will make for warming, comforting, and immune-supporting meals. Also consider adding garlic to your meals: it's antimicrobial, antiseptic, and an immune tonic, and it's an ally of the respiratory system. Cabbage is a good source of vitamins (C, K, B), minerals, and antioxidants. Finally, oats are energetic, mineralizing, and tonic, and are known to support the nervous system.

Beautiful seasonal dishes in perspective, aren't they?

Random ideas: root vegetable soup, cabbage stew, sauerkraut, oatmeal with wild berries (the ones you can pick, remember?).

We hope you've learned a lot about this wonderful season, and that those who didn't appreciate it as much will look back on it with more affection. So, have a great winter, everyone!

Source for writing this article:
The four seasons of the native gatherer / Isabelle Simard / Flamarion Québec Edition , Through the seasons of the Herbothèque, Altar of the mists