The pagan icon for earth represents the reverence and respect that pagans have for the natural world. In many pagan traditions, the earth is seen as a sacred and living entity, deserving of worship and protection. The icon for earth is often depicted as a globe or a circle, symbolizing the earth's round shape and interconnectedness. It may include elements such as plants, trees, animals, and water, which are all seen as integral parts of the earth's ecosystem. Pagans believe that the earth is a source of spiritual energy and wisdom. They see the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons, as sacred rituals that connect them to the earth's natural rhythms.
Food in Colonial Massachusetts
I’m having a lot of fun learning about food in Colonial Massachusetts. Not that I like to eat or anything. There’s a lot to discover about the types of foods that were available then, how they were processed, and how the meals were cooked.
I started following a few food historians, and when I see how they spend their time recreating recipes from the past with only ingredients and utensils available from that time period I think I may have missed my calling. In my next life I will be a food historian.
They see the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons, as sacred rituals that connect them to the earth's natural rhythms. This icon serves as a reminder of their connection to the earth and the importance of living in harmony with it. The pagan icon for earth also represents pagans' commitment to environmentalism and sustainable living.
Where Did Goodwives Find Their Recipes?
In the Massachusetts Bay Colony, cooks relied heavily on recipes from popular English authors such as Robert May’s cookbook from 1685 and Gervase Markham’s English Huswife from 1615 (http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodcolonial.html – 1690salem).
Meals in the Massachusetts Bay Colony were a unique combination between the eating habits the colonists brought with them from England and the ingredients available to them in New England.
Popular foods in Salem in the 1690s were meat, bread, and other dishes made of wheat and oat. Root vegetables like turnips were also popular. Since Massachusetts is located along the Atlantic coast, colonists relied heavily on seafood, and fish such as cod, herring, bass, sturgeon, mackerel, clams, and lobster were often eaten (though Puritans didn’t like lobster).
Fish had to be salted to be preserved, and salt was either imported or gathered from the sea. Soups, roasts, bacon, ham, salt pork, salads, puddings, and pies were all common, while fruits and vegetables were served fresh or preserved.
Salem cooks would have used a combination of local ingredients such as corn, clams, squash, beans, cranberries, and potatoes while taking advantage of the wild game, domesticated hogs, nuts, wild berries, and fruits such as pears, cherries, and plums.
Wealthier residents (including James and his father John) would have had imported goods such as tea, coffee, sugar, rum, citrus fruits, and spices. Apple orchards were established early and the plentiful apples were used to create a low-alcohol cider that was the main drink for the colonists. (From Daily Life in Colonial New England by Claudia Durst Johnson).
As I searched for recipes that Elizabeth might have made while living in Salem, I discovered this recipe for a bride’s cake similar to the one James and Elizabeth would have served at their wedding in 1690:
Many pagans believe that they have a responsibility to protect and preserve the earth for future generations. They view environmental destruction as a violation of the earth's sacredness and strive to live in ways that minimize harm to the planet. Overall, the pagan icon for earth symbolizes pagans' deep connection to and reverence for the natural world. It serves as a reminder of their commitment to live in harmony with the earth and protect its beauty and resources for generations to come..
Reviews for "Exploring the mythological origins of the pagan earth icon"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Icon for Earth". I thought it would be an interesting exploration of pagan beliefs and practices, but instead, it felt superficial and cliché. The characters were one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable. I was hoping for a more nuanced portrayal of pagan spirituality, but instead, it felt like a Hollywood caricature. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and lacking substance.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't even finish reading "Pagan Icon for Earth". The writing was incredibly pretentious, full of unnecessary metaphors and flowery language. It seemed like the author was more interested in showing off their vocabulary than actually telling a compelling story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself bored and uninvested in the characters. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Pagan Icon for Earth" had an interesting concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The writing style was repetitive and overly descriptive, which made it difficult to stay engaged with the story. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to connect with them on any emotional level. The plot felt disjointed and at times, it veered off in unnecessary tangents. I wanted to like this book, but ultimately, it fell short of being a satisfying read.