Corn Dollies.

Isn’t it funny how one train of thought leads to another it’s as if the Goddess is taking us on some journey of unfolding so that we may become enlightened in some way that She wishes for us.This month I have been interested in learning all about wire wrapping & weaving as part of my current handicraft obsession. I’m intent on making woven/wrapped semi precious & natural stones into lovely jewellery which led me to discover some interesting facts about corn dollies.

I read with interest that whatever you can do with weaving in basketry can also be applied to working with wire for jewellery making.

I had it in mind to practice with copper wire first until I get the hang of the various weaving techniques & then use sterling silver and gold at some future point for my gemstone pieces.Then you know how sometimes you wake up with mad harebrained idea’s about trying to apply some new technique to an old problem (a bit like a Galileo ‘Eureka’ moment without the bath)Well this happened a couple of weeks ago when I suddenly awoke with the compulsion to look at how ‘corn dollies’ were constructed & somehow apply the same weaving principle to wire.Corn Dollies here in England can be quite elaborate affairs, from my folklore studies I learned that every region throughout the UK (and further a field also) has its own particular signature corn dolly, evident by the design itself & colour of the decorative ribbons attached. No deviation was ever made from the characteristics of the corn dollie construction of that particular village.

All of these old customs were particularly significant to this time of the year – September -Time of the Harvest.

Corn Dollies were sacred offering made to honour the Goddess in her spirit of Bountiful Mother. Both Demeter and Ceres are examples of more ancient archetypal corn Mothers.

Many, many traditions surround the corn dollies themselves; probably the most important for the farmer & community would be that of ‘giving thanks’ for a plentiful harvest of the all important corn. When the final wheat sheaf had been cut it was from this that one big dolly called ‘The Kern baby’ be made, sometimes they were built into huge either giant size effigies or at least life size and decorated with white clothes and brightly coloured ribbons, these represented the next Springtime and were kept until then & usually ploughed back into the field to ensure another plentiful harvest.Smaller corn dollies were made for the individual homes to ensure a good year ahead like a lucky charm they were hung up in the home.Another quaint custom of countryside youth was that of ‘Countryman's Favours’ these were small plaited corn motifs such as hearts, that were made by a young gentleman or lady and given to a member of the opposite sex to wear over the heart. Which indicated that they were definitely interested and noticeably so if the favour be worn.Incidently the word ‘Doll’ derives from the ancient Greek word ‘eidolon’ translated as ‘idol’.With all my corn dollie inspiration gathered I think I shall be making some little plaited wire versions of my own at the very least I shall be having a go at making a ‘Bridget’s Cross’.

Happy Harvest time everyone.

by Rosie Weaver

http://witchcrafter.blogspot.com/

For further references see:

www.strawcraftsmen.co.uk/project03.html


paganwiccan.about.com/.../ss/Brighid_Dolly.htm



hubpages.com/hub/Mabon/