Burning of the Wicker Man

Last night we were joined by Pyewacket Folk to attend The Wicker Man burning at The Lost Village of Dode.

We met up early with Pyewacket Folk at the nearby pub to get ready for our performance. Vixens donned face paint - not normally allowed but as this was a special Samhain event we decided to go all out!

We met with Doug (the keeper of Dode) and the Dode drummers for a pre performance drink and catch up. We then made our way up to Dode church in the misty hills.

As we gathered to process it was a chilly but still night, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the celebrations. We processed along the lane lit only by a lantern at the front and small lights on our hats, Vixen Emma and Pyewacket Simon playing 'The Bear' and the drumbeat of Wolfie's Bodhran.

As we reached Dode church the Vixens were handed flaming torches. We continued process into the grounds where the Vixens walked towards the Wicker Man standing in a clearing beyond the church. To drumbeat and calls we lit the Wicker Man and he burnt in the darkness lighting up the church and the people who came to watch.

It was quite an unearthly view to behold as we watched the burning wicker man before he crumbled and fell to ash.