Wishing a happy St. Distaff's Day to all spinners (and non-spinners as well). Traditionally January 7th was the day for spinners to take up their distaffs (spindles) once again, after the twelve days of Christmas. Historically the guys, who evidently were not in a huge hurry to return to their work, used this day as an excuse to harass the girls, setting fire to their flax and such. The girls doused them with buckets of water in retaliation. 

On Saturday I'll be celebrating the day (minus the fires and water dousing) here at the studio with a handful of local spinners. I am so grateful I can enjoy the craft of handspinning for the love of it.  (Heaven knows, If I had to rely on it to clothe family, it would be a long cold winter indeed). There's not a more meditative, centering way to begin or end each day.

St. Distaff's Day; Or, the Morrow after Twelfth-day

by Robert Herrick

Partly work and partly play

You must on St. Distaffs Day:

From the plough soon free your team;

Then cane home and fother them:

If the maids a-spinning go,

Burn the flax and fire the tow.

Bring in pails of water then,

Let the maids bewash the men.

Give St. Distaff' all the right:

Then bid Christmas sport good night,

And next morrow every one

To his own vocation.