Looking Back over December and MMXIII as we move into MMXIV

The New Year and January is just around the corner.   Good fortune to all for MMXIV!

January is named after Janus (Ianuarius) the god of doorways, pictured as looking both forward and back.   We will revisit the themes of doorways, transport and travel for January what with moving into the New Year and all.  As usual, if there is something on this theme you would like to see, let me know.

My main goal for 2014 will be to get the Sea of Stars campaign setting kickstarter going, completed and then the product written and finished.

Looking back over December, we see another month of light but hopefully interesting posting:

Tuesday Magic Item – Hangmanay Black Bun

As so, as the New Year began, people sang and danced, visiting their friends home, hoping to bring them luck as the first-foot across the threshold.  Gifts were exchanged to symbolize such hopes, including salt, short bread and black bun to bring good fortune to all in the New Year.

Food was eaten, drinks drunk and songs sung as friends and neighbors welcomed the New Year with hope and festivities.

Hangmanay Black Bun

Like all black buns, this is a fruit cake wrapped in pastry.  The cake itself is a traditional fruit cake, including ingredients such as raisins and currants along with spices such as cinnamon, black pepper and allspice.  There is always some secret ingredient by each baker and prayers and blessings are usually spoken over the black bun as it is baking.