As the nights grow longer and a crisp chill fills the autumn air, there’s a familiar sense of warmth and nostalgia that takes hold of us. It’s the time of year when we crave coziness, soft candlelight, and stories that stir the imagination. Whether you’re gathered around a crackling fire, wrapped up in a blanket, or nestled in the glow of your favourite candle, there’s something truly magical about the tradition of storytelling, especially when it connects us to folklore and ancient legends.
Contents
- Tradition as old as time
- Fireside storytelling
- Autumn & winter folklore
- Creating your own fireside folklore storytelling ritual
A Tradition as Old as Time
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and education. Before the written word, our ancestors shared myths, legends, and tales passed down through generations. In the UK, folklore has always had a special place in the fabric of our culture. From tales of mischievous fairies in the Scottish Highlands to eerie ghost stories in English villages, every region has its own rich history of spoken tales.
In the colder months, communities would gather around the hearth to swap these stories, keeping spirits high and imaginations alive. Today, while our world is more digital than ever, there’s a resurgence in the desire to slow down and reconnect with these simpler, more meaningful traditions.
Fireside Storytelling
You don’t need to live in a remote cottage to enjoy the beauty of fireside storytelling. With the right atmosphere, a cozy space, and a little imagination, you can bring this age-old tradition to life in your own home. Our hand-poured candles are designed to help set the perfect mood, with scents inspired by nature and the mystical world of folklore. As the gentle flicker of candlelight fills the room, it creates an ambiance that’s perfect for telling stories — why not explore the folklore books/zines from our print collection to help inspire you.
We highly recommend The Nights Campfire candle for creating ambience, as it's scent replicates a real burning fire.
Autumn & Winter Folklore Celebrations - The Perfect Time for Storytelling
This time of year is steeped in folklore and tradition. In the UK, autumn and winter bring many celebrations that revolve around storytelling, myths, and even supernatural tales. Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated at the end of October, marks the end of the harvest season and is believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. This tradition has evolved into what we know today as Halloween — a perfect time for sharing eerie ghost stories!
We also have Bonfire Night and Yule! - whether it's pagan traditions or historical moments in British history, we have plenty to talk about.
Our Forests Cottage candle is perfect for Autumn and Winter - with a delicious scent of pumpkin spice and cinnamon.
Creating Your Own Fireside Folklore Ritual
Keeping the tradition of storytelling alive doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be a beautiful way to wind down during the colder months and connect with loved ones. Here’s how you can create your own fireside folklore ritual at home:
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Set the Scene: Choose a cozy spot in your home, whether it’s near a fireplace, by the window, or in your favourite armchair. Light one of our SÆR candles to create a warm, inviting glow and fill the space with an enchanting scent. You can also take these candles outside with you if you prefer to sit under the stars - Please be responsible and seek advice from our candle FAQ page.
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Pick a Story: Whether you want to explore eerie ghost tales, Celtic myths, or stories of woodland creatures, theres plenty of inspiration from our collection of Weird Walk zines
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Invite Others to Join: Storytelling is even more magical when shared. Gather friends or family around, and take turns reading or telling stories aloud. For an even more immersive experience, encourage everyone to add their own twists to the tales! Why not offer them a cozy drink from one of our ceramic mugs and add some marshmallows
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Make it a Tradition: Rituals are special because they happen regularly. Make storytelling by candlelight a weekly or monthly event during autumn and winter. It’s the perfect way to unwind, disconnect from screens, and reconnect with the magic of spoken word.
We hope this blog has inspired you to connect with others and embrace this beautiful tradition!