Name Meaning: Hirlwm (heer-loom) literally means "long bare" in Welsh.  The word was used to describe the period from late Winter to early Spring which was characterized by hunger and low food supplies, after much of the winter stores had been used up but before much of anything was growing well enough to eat yet (also known as the "hungry gap").  (Source: Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru hirlwm.)

 

I must emphasize that I do not know of any other use of the term Hirlwm for any sort of observance, nor am I aware of any fasting period observed by other followers of Welsh deities. This is my own observance that I have made, and I decided hirlwm was an appropriate word since it coincides with the season of these observances I hold. Its overlap with Lent is coincidental -- I grew up Baptist and never practiced Lent. The timing of these observances is entirely based on the nature of the season, for me.

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Significance of Season: The Festival of Candles has come and gone, and the eagerly awaited Spring is still several weeks away.  It may seem a bit of irony that a good portion of the Earth's creatures endure what is often the worst of hunger and scarcity during this time when the sunlight is growing, when we are marching towards the blooming of flowers and the singing of birds, when we begin to see snowdrops and daffodils and even a few buds may be coming out on the trees again.  But the coming Spring Equinox is, after all, the opposite of the time of harvest plenty at autumn on the wheel of the year. 

 

The coming of Spring is a very contradictory time, a time of joy and beauty and new hopes as shoots, young greens, and buds are beginning to sprout again -- yet also a time of intense hardship.  The early days between Imbolc and Spring Equinox often still hold some of the most bitterly, deadly-cold of the year despite the growing hours of light.  And by this time, stored and preserved surplus from the previous Autumn's harvest were usually running very low, and in unfortunate years, were gone altogether.  

 

Although technically several plants start to "come into season" in "Spring", their peak season is often quite late (late April into May or even June, depending on the plant, region, and weather).  Even for those plants which, if started indoors or in a greenhouse, begin coming into season in March or April, many are still only starting or "baby" sized (e.g. "baby spinach", "baby lettuce"), and will not be at full production yet for some weeks after their season's starting time.  If the previous harvest was a famine, starvation levels of hunger could begin in February or March, leaving people desperate for food to survive by late March and April.  Even in Springs following a good harvest year, if the surplus stored foods were stolen, rummaged by animals, hit with mold or bugs, or ravaged by war (and war was often a constant in the past), many people simply could not make it until April or the long-awaited May. Thus the weeks leading up to, and immediately following, Spring were often a serious struggle of life-or-death proportions -- the time that our ancestors knew would come every Calan Gaeaf as they watched the plants and crops wither away, when they faced their fears and acknowledged "I may not make it through the coming cold of Winter or the hunger of early Spring this year".  

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Dates and Days: I reckon Hirlwm observances as starting after Gŵyl Canhwyllau and lasting 4 weeks.  Each of the four weeks is dedicated to a different deity, a gradually increasing intensity of fasting/ abstinence, and to honoring a different struggle.  This lasts until the final day in honor of Blodeu(w)edd and the original struggle of hunger that is the crux of the observances at this time of year.  

 

Significance of Themes and Spiritual Meaning: Honoring the struggle to survive and thrive characterizes the time of year that the annual Hirlwm fast is held in my personal practice.  Below, I go into what I personally observe, but the fasts used, the deities invoked, and the struggles honored and worked with can be endlessly varied and personalized to different needs, preferences, and to what anyone most needs to work on at the time. 

 

To me, Hirlwm is not only for honoring the struggles of our ancestors' time of hunger.  It is also a time of cleansing, healing, and solemn remembrance for those struggles we push aside or hide within.  I remember those people who are often forgotten or ignored, their troubles swept under the dusty rug of society.  It is a time to bring out into the light that which is normally left shrouded and hidden away -- a safe and acceptable time to process and heal from things that are normally taboo to bring up (whether they are taboo simply because they are uncomfortable topics, or because they would lead us into unhealthy mental states if we dwelt on them all the time).  And yet, they are things necessary to our own well-being and also to the betterment of our society to acknowledge, process, and improve.  While working through these things may happen at any time, this is the time I have specifically reserved for such work on an annual basis. 

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Practice: At Hirlwm, I do various types of fasting in honor of those who suffer and are often forgotten, silenced, or ignored.  I see it as a time to remind myself of the need to advocate for, and amplify the voices of, those who are often silenced.  I acknowledge my own suffering and scars but also shine a revealing light on the darkness within myself that I usually hide (even from myself).  I remember what needs to improve both in myself and in the world -- not to obsess over it, but so that I can realize what I can and cannot control, act to improve that which I can control, and thereby better myself and the world around me to the extent I am able.  Hirlwm is a time I am not allowed to "not think about it", as most prefer (or in fact need) to do in order to get through the hum-drum of everyday life without being consumed by despair or bitterness.  I embrace, work through, share (sometimes), grow from, and try to let go of the pain I carry -- not to forget or make it "go away" (my experiences are a part of who I am; I cannot make them "go away" or just "get over it"), but to not let it overwhelm or control me.  I deliberately meditate on how I may make amends for my wrongs and regrets and plan courses of action based on this.  I grieve for those things I cannot amend, remembering what I have learned from it.

 

As I leave the cold and darkness of Winter behind, carrying the purifying light from the time of Gŵyl Canhwyllau, I step closer to the warming, brighter days of Spring ahead.  To me, it is a time for seeking healing of both physical and psychological wounds and struggles.  A time to grow from our darker past experiences, knowing we are not alone.  A time to process and confront the suffering of not only ourselves but of others too, which can so often be trivialized if it does not directly affect us, so that we may strive to improve the lives of everyone and of our community, not just ourselves. 

 

I come to Hirlwm with the goal of going forward into Spring as a candle flame -- a small light in the coldness and darkness, not content with just my own personal comforts (to whatever extent I may have them at the time) but also taking up my responsibility to leave the world a better place than I found it.  I then move towards the Spring promises of birth, life, joy, and abundance, going forward knowing I have built plans to make the world a better place for all.  

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Warning: If you wish to also take up any type of fasting, your doctor must be consulted before beginning fasting to ensure you are of proper health for it and that your fasting plan is OK for you.  The elderly (60 and over), children, pregnant women, and those currently suffering ailments or injuries should NEVER fast unless directed by a doctor.  However, there are other ways of "fasting" such as abstaining from certain unhealthy, unnecessary food groups such as added sugars, alcohol, soda, snacks, sweets/desserts, fast food, highly processed foods/ingredients, and fried foods (AKA "junk food") if so-desired.  It's good for us to abstain from those most of the time outside of special occasions anyway.  If you already mostly abstain from those, or wish to give up something else, use your best judgment in choosing activities, food items, or objects to "fast" from for the duration.

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Safety Note: Possibly even more so than Calan Gaeaf, Hirlwm is a very solemn time.  It is starkly differentiated from the other holy periods in my liturgical calendar, as it is marked by fasting and serious themes with no feasting or fun activities to counter-balance it.  ​​There are some dark, depressing themes that can arise during Hirlwm, such as past traumas or the gross injustices in the world around us.  These themes may be overwhelming, confusing, or terrifying to young children.  It is my opinion that if they are not old enough to participate in the fasting, they probably should not participate in the rest of it, but as always, please use your own discernment regarding when to introduce practices which address heavy themes such as death or trauma.

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The Fast of Branwen, Week 1

Deity Honored: Branwen (White/Blessed Crow), because of her story in the second branch of the Mabinogi, is a figure who I consider a goddess with strong ties to themes of suffering injustice, oppression, enslavement, and domestic abuse. 

Significance: Honoring those whose autonomy is oppressed, upholding racial, national, and ethnic justice and egalitarianism, taking action to break cycles of domestic abuse. 

Practice: As this is the first week of Hirlwm, I open with establishing sacred space(s) for the ritual, inner work, and for honoring the struggles of myself and others.  Ritual is held to honor and bless those who are silenced, abused, objectified, systemically oppressed, enslaved, or whose autonomy is otherwise under assault.  I pray and do work to thwart the efforts of those abusing them and to lead the victims to healing and victory over oppressive persons and systems.  I perform prayer for clarity, wisdom, and guidance to not be a perpetrator or enabler of such.  I refresh my knowledge of when to leave duty for the sake of safety, when to ask for help, and not to give up hope of escape and/or healing in cases of abuse or trauma.  I also take time to learn about human trafficking prevention/intervention and/or suicide prevention from a reputable source during this week.  A dumb supper is held on the opening night in remembrance of those who are silenced or cannot speak up for themselves -- the downtrodden and oppressed adults, children, animals, and the Earth.  I refresh my own awareness and spread knowledge of calming techniques and healthy ways to communicate and express stress or anger instead of turning to violence, rage, hurtful words, or forceful actions which are abusive.  

Fast: It is the first week of fast in honor of those who cannot taste the sweetness of freedom or equality and those whose life holds little joy due to being mired in abusive situations.  For me, this is symbolically reflected in no added sugars, honey, syrup, or sweeteners (made into the food nor added later; no sucking sugar cane, etc), no alcohol, and no fried, snacky, or junk foods.​  

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The Fast of Brân, Week 2

Deity Honored: Brân (Crow), who also figures large (pun intended) in the second branch of the Mabinogi, is a being who I consider a god-giant.  His story has strong themes of right leadership, and the main crux of his story is his leading a war (to help Branwen escape from the abuse, in fact) from which few return home alive.

Significance: Honoring the battle dead and those most affected by war and conflict.  

Practice: Ritual is held on the first night of this week's fasting to honor the battle dead and injured, the soldiers and civilians forever scarred both physically and mentally.  I honor the innocents and civilians slain and displaced in wars, conflicts, and invasions.  I honor those who mourn the fallen, both military and civilian, and I also mourn for our own war-dead.  I pray for peace among nations and the healing of all mourners -- not to be "over it", but to heal in the time that is best for them so they may one day again feel joy in life after the devastation of loss.  It is a good week to visit a veterans’ hospital, a war memorial, or a museum or memorial that honors the war-dead (rather than honoring the war itself, if possible).  

Fast: It is the second week of fasting in honor of those who gave their lives and their bodies in service to their country, their fellow citizens, and/or their government, as well as those who lost their lives and homes as innocent bystanders in the cross-fires of war, and those left behind who grieve for them.  For me, this is symbolized in eating no red meat or poultry, in addition to the previous week's restrictions.  Only two meals are eaten.  

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The Fast of Arianrhod, Week 3

Deity Honored: Ar(i)anr(h)od (Wheel-Silver or Round Hump/Hill) is one of the main figures in the fourth branch of the Mabinogi.  She, instead of Goewin, is mentioned in the Triads (Bromwich, 2014; Triad 35) as Math's footholder, and this has led some scholars to speculate that there was another version of the story in which it was Arianrhod rather than Goewin who was assaulted.  She also repeatedly asserts her due rights and authorities as Lleu's mother -- not by stating that he "cannot have" a name or arms, but that she must be the one to give them to him (Davies, 2007; 55, 57).  Only after this declaration is circumvented twice by Gwydion's trickery does she declare a tynged that is an absolute denial (Davies, 2007; 58).

Significance: Honoring victims of sexual assault, misogyny, and/or sex/gender/orientation-based violence, and upholding the importance of consent and sex, gender, and orientation egalitarianism.

Practice: Ritual is held on the night opening this week's fasting to honor and bless victims of sexual assault and sex (body), or gender (identity), or orientation-based brutality and oppression.  I pray for healing for the victims, and for society to take the issue more seriously and not blame the victim or persist in myths (e.g. men and male-bodied persons cannot be victims, people cannot control their sexual urges, victims "ask for it" or "should've done X", the problem is overblown, etc).  Other possible ways to observe the week include: donate money and/or time to organizations or hotlines that aid sexual assault victims and advocate for them.  Saliently teach our children of all sexes and genders about respecting consent and privacy, and the sacredness of our bodies and personal autonomy. 

Fast: It is the third week of fasting in honor of victims of sexual assault and sex/gender/orientation-based violence.  For me, no dairy or eggs are consumed, in addition to the previous two weeks' restrictions. Only two meals are eaten.  ​

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The Fast of Nudd, Week 4

Deity Honored: I honor the god Nudd (Modern Welsh: Mist; possible Gaulish/Brythonic etymological meaning: Catcher).  There is not much suriving lore featuring Nudd/Lludd outside of the story of Lludd and Lleuelys, but since he is direct cognate with the ancient Brythonic god Nodens, and since his epithet is "of the silver hand" (Llaw Eraint, much like Nuada of Irish myth, with whom his name is also cognate), I associate him with water and fishing (there is much marine imagery among the archaeological remains of the temple for Nodens at Lydney Park), trapping and hunting (due to the dog imagery that is also associated with him at his shrine in Lydney Park), the disabled and injured and healing (due to the silver hand), honor, perseverance, discernment, and overcoming difficulties (due to his surviving story in Lludd and Lleuelys).  

Significance: Honoring those who live with disabilities, impairments, injuries, and chronic or terminal illness.

Practice: Ritual is held on the night opening this week's fasting to honor the struggles of those suffering from disability and chronic or terminal illness.  Possible other observances include: donate money and/or volunteer time to organizations and programs that aid and advocate for persons with disabilities (physical/mental/emotional).  Learn more about how to make what I create more accessible.  Plan out which walks/runs/other events I will participate in for the year to benefit charities or programs that aid persons suffering from these or that fund research to help (Spring will be coming soon, and such runs are more popular in the warmer months).  

Fast: On this fourth week of fasting, I abstain from fruits of the harvest and the sea (no fruits, nuts, fish/seafood) in addition to the previous weeks' restrictions. Only two meals are eaten.

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The Fast of Blodeuwedd, The Final Day of Fast

Deity Honored: On the final day of fasting, I honor the goddess Blodeu(w)edd (Blodeuedd: Flowers [a mutltitude of flowers is implied by the -edd plural suffix]; Blodeuwedd: Owl/Flower Face).  For me, Blodeu(w)edd is a goddess of the natural Earth and its abundance, filled with wild animal and plant life connected to one another in an expansive and intricate web, and on which we (and all other things) rely for survival.  To me, her story in the fourth branch is, in part, an illustration of the tragedy that is borne of attempting to control and exploit the Earth and its plants and creatures, using them without regard for their own needs, life, or health.  As an embodiment of the Earth and nature, she also represents the food and all the materials we use from the Earth to provide for our basic needs.

Significance: Honoring the hungry, homeless, financially struggling, and those lacking necessities.

Practice: On the final day of fast, I hold ritual to honor and bless the hungry, the homeless, those without clean water and basic necessities or struggling to make ends meet -- those who are currently suffering due to being without those blessings that Blodeu(w)edd represents to me.  I pray for their relief and prosperity and plan donations of money, food (that is of decent quality and not expired -- don't be that person who clears out your pantry of long-expired goods and calls it "charity"), and/or volunteer time.  I also give thanks for my blessings, and acknowledge that these are not guaranteed and must not be taken for granted.

Fast: On this final and most intense day (not week!) of fasting, only one meal is eaten. Water, juice, and vegetable or bone broths are consumed freely throughout the day so as to avoid dehydration. 

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After Hirlwm: 

After Hirlwm is over, there should be about two weeks (give or take a couple days) until Spring Equinox.  Listening to my body, I gradually reintroduce foods I was abstaining from and gradually increase the amount I eat each day until back to normal levels.  Of course, everyone must do what is best for their own health -- this is just what I do.

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If you suffer from an unknown/suspected allergy or an inflammatory or auto-immune disorder, Hirlwm might be a convenient time to test (with the guidance of a doctor) which foods may trigger allergic reaction, inflammation, or worsen your auto-immune symptoms.  If you find any degree of symptom relief during fasting from certain types of foods, you can then further narrow down which foods aggravate your symptoms by gradually reintroducing the foods you had abstained from during fast and keeping notes on what foods seem to cause symptoms to worsen or return when reintroduced.  If you are interested in trying this, be sure to consult your doctor before, during, and after the process, especially if testing for an allergy or if your symptoms are severe.  

 

Of course, as with initiating the fast, it is always good practice for anyone, in general, to seek advice from a medical professional regarding how best to end the fast as well.  Your doctor can give you personalized advice for your particular health history and current state of health.  There is no need to unnecessarily risk your health (or that of your family) by not seeking your doctor's advice before planning out both how you will fast and how you should recover back to normal food intake after fasting, should you choose to fast.

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