In Greek mythology, Aeolus was the god of the winds and he had a daughter named Alcyone. She was happily married το Ceyx, they were living in Trachis and they were often calling each other “Zeus” and “Hera”.
This angered Zeus, the King of the Gods, who threw a thunderbolt at Ceyx’s ship. When Alcyone was informed for her beloved ill fate, she threw herself into the sea. Out of compassion, the gods changed them both into birds named after her.
These birds, commonly associated with the kingfisher, were said to nest on the sea. Alcyone used to make her nest on the beach for seven days each year. Her father use to restrained the winds and calm the waves so she could lay her eggs in safety.
Until our times, those days are called Halcyon Days, a bright interval set in the midst of the winter.
It seems that this year (winter 2011-2012), Alcyon decided to use central heating and Halcyon days skipped Greece !
As a result this winter was very cold with rain and snow. No sunny intervals have occured as it’s seen in the pictures above!
Penny Writes 