About this assemblage…
Ancient History of Halcyon Days, from the contemporary internet.
The story of Halcyon Days takes us on a journey back to ancient Greece, revealing a tale intertwined with gods, love, and a remarkable bird.This period of calm and sunny weather in the middle of winter has fascinated people for centuries. It traditionally falls around the winter solstice, marked by 14 days of quiet seas. The myth originates from a love story between Alcyone, a goddess, and Ceyx, a mortal king.
Tragedy struck when Ceyx drowned at sea, leading Alcyone to throw herself into the ocean out of despair. Moved by their love, the gods transformed them into birds, ensuring that Aeolus, the god of the winds and Alcyone’s father, would calm the seas so they could nest each year during this time.
As the myth traveled through time and across cultures, the phrase “Halcyon Days” evolved. Initially, it referred specifically to this tranquil period facilitated by the halcyon bird.
However, by the 16th century, its meaning shifted to signify any time of peace and happiness, largely thanks to its use in literature, such as by Shakespeare in “Henry VI.”
Today, “Halcyon Days” symbolizes a time of joy, success, and nostalgia, often evoking memories of youthful summers or particularly blissful periods in the past.