Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Druids


The weather was beautiful yesterday, so I thought I'd take my lunch up to Primrose Hill and have a one-man picnic.

What I found, instead, was a religious gathering!


I had just been thinking the other day that it was about time for the autumnal equinox. But I didn't realize it was yesterday, until I got to the hilltop and saw a circle of people in druidical robes engaged in a ceremony.

There is a Facebook page for a group called the "Loose Association of Druids of Primrose Hill." Perhaps these are they.


There was a big horn...


...and a sword, which, although raised, seemed to be accompanied by words advocating peace. (I must admit I didn't catch all the details of the ceremony, since I was running around the circle taking pictures.)


A woman in a gold headpiece and cape stood outside the circle. Her entrance was initially barred, but eventually she was admitted and proceeded to stand in front of the group leaders. (Are they called priests?)


Perhaps she symbolizes the entrance of autumn. (Pure speculation on my part, but she was certainly dressed in autumnal colors.)


And unfortunately that's all I got to see, because I had to zip back to work. What a surprise! You just never know what you'll find out and about, right?

8 comments:

Ms. Moon said...

Costumes and props. All good religions use them to great effect.

ellen abbott said...

never been much for ritual myself but what a fun surprise.

Sharon said...

I'm so glad you were able to catch this. Great photos!

Linda Sue said...

what luck!Picnic for one guy and WHAM here comes something exceptional! I found that to be true nearly every day while staying in London, just step out there and WHAM- exceptional! If you are ever ready for a snooze come and see us.
I really love the cape, that color is my favorite today- and vermilion- and rust- autumn has arrived.
Supposed to be a mild winter. So say the weather people.

37paddington said...

Fantastic photographs, especially that first one! Wow.

Elizabeth said...

I can't decide if it's all fantastic or creepy. I guess fantastically creepy or creepily fantastic?

Marty said...

Good grief. They all look a bit like albino nuns.

The Bug said...

What a great surprise! And they had really good weather for it too. But I'm sorry, I don't think I could take it very seriously AT ALL - I have to think that they're all tongue in cheek, but I'm sure they're not :)