Since the beginning of this week, we've been enjoying what we call the days of Alcyone in my part of the world. They usually begin in mid January and last for about a fortnight. In mid winter and despite the fact that our winters are mild, it is a period of calm weather, sunny days and blue skies. As I don't like winter very much, soon after the new year, I look forward to Halcyon Days.
According to Greek mythology, Alcyone - the daughter of Aeolus, the greek god of winds - was happily married to Ceyx, the son of Eosphorus - also known as the Morning Star. The happy young couple would often call each other Zeus and Hera - something which gave rise to Zeus' wrath.. So, while Ceyx was at sea, Zeus threw a thunderbolt at his ship. Soon after, Morpheus - the god of sleep and dreams - disguised as Ceyx, appeared to Alcyone and told her what had happened. Alcyone was so desperate that she threw herself into the sea. But out of compassion, the gods turned her into a halcyon bird (a kingfisher). Halcyon birds lay their eggs on the beach, in winter, so her father Aeolus restrained the winds and calmed the waves so that Halcyon could lay her eggs in safety.
Apart from enjoying our bright weather, I am also going through a very peaceful period of time in my life. Despite my busy schedule at work, I feel calm and relaxed and hope, in my heart of hearts, that the gods will be more merciful this year and will prolong this bright, sunny interval in the height of winter.
Quelle triste histoire! ça me rappelle notre été indien ou l'été de la Saint-Denis. Il s'agit d'une période de temps ensoleillé et radouci, après les premières gelées de l'automne et juste avant l'hiver. Elle se produit en octobre ou au début de novembre et ça dure pour une semaine environ.
Posted by: Jean-Paul Bouvier | January 21, 2011 at 12:46 PM
I also enjoy the days of Alcyone. Hope they last a bit longer.
Posted by: Stefania | January 21, 2011 at 04:39 PM
Another version of the myth says that Alcyone did not kill herself. When she learned the bad news, she went to the shore to look for her beloved Ceyx, but, in vain! All she found was whatever was left from the sunken ship. She was so devastated that she'd spend days mourning for the loss of her beloved husband, crying incessantly. Zeus felf sorry for her and turned her into a bird which he named halcyon. He also provided a few sunny days in mid winter ranging from December 15 to February 15 so that halcyon would lay her eggs.
Posted by: Constantinos | January 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM
I had never heard of this greek myth before. It looks like halcyon birds have flown to the Netherlands !!! For the last few days we are enjoying really mild temps - about 6-7C maximum and, occasionally, some sunshine. It used to be much colder in Amsterdam at this time of year.
Posted by: Alexia M | January 23, 2011 at 01:05 PM
Despite our overcast skies and some light rain this morning, it's only got a mild 5-6 C in Yorkshire and I hear some sunny intervals are on the way.
Posted by: Laura | January 23, 2011 at 01:39 PM
It's sunny and shiny right now in Lemesos but early in the morning or late at night it can get quite chilly.
Posted by: Sophia | January 23, 2011 at 03:07 PM
When I moved to LA, California, it took me some time to get used to their sunny days and mild temperatures. Very often, I missed English weather and longed for overcast skies and stormy nights. But now I love it! I might just as well go for a swim tomorrow. It's got 24C!!!
Posted by: Jim | January 24, 2011 at 11:40 PM