"...those great yearly changes in earth and sky which, under all distinctions of race and religion, must always touch the natural human heart with alternative emotions of gladness and regret, because they exhibit on the vastest scale open to our observation the mysterious struggle between life and death." -James George Fraser, The Golden Bough
Hearthsong addresses social isolation, seasonal depression and cultural loss by designing artistically engaging, intergenerational events that celebrate folk heritage, promote seasonal living, and champion community gathering.
All-age & background inclusive
Multi-generational interaction
Relating the individual to the self & the other | the past & the present
All-age & background inclusive
Multi-generational interaction
Relating the individual to the self & the other | the past & the present
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Why Seasonal Celebrations
Our ancestors tuned their internal rhythms to the natural world through communal ritual and gathering. They observed states of rebirth, rest, revelry and remembrance in harmony with the physical expression of the seasons and each life was understood in accordance with the cyclical progression of the cosmos. We live insulated from the daily immediacy of environmental impact - but we still feel affected by the shifting seasons. |
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Intentionally marking seasonal changes:
- anchors us to our human nature
- connects us to each other
- heightens our awareness of the world around us
- heightens self awareness
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Why Folk Arts
Humans' use of the arts as a vehicle to process, mimic and interpret reality is one of our defining characteristics. Folk song, dance, craft, story, game, adornment and ritual have always grounded people in their shared identities and experiences of themselves within the world. Folk arts are living traditions with deep roots, evolving branches and an extraordinary capacity to connect, engage and heal. At Hearthsong, we revive and preserve old ways while building foundations for modern days. |
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Who Is This For
EVERYONE - from the lifelong folk-enthusiast to the mildly curious partaker; the spiritual to the skeptical. We balance quirky and wild folk customs, cool history, modern mindfulness practices, depth, frivolity, extroverted shows and introverted spaces, to create events at the crossroads of many palettes. Designed to help you access the personally meaningful through the energy created by collectively gathering, we produce visually arresting events that are as equally gratifying for those who prefer to watch and listen as those who prefer to join. |
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Events
Hearthsong uses the modern Celtic Spirituality-associated "Wheel of the Year" as a guide by which to structure core gatherings. The Wheel includes two solstices, two equinoxes, and the four "cross-quarter days", which divide the stretches between the sun's extremes. Cultures across millennia and around the globe have observed these holidays in many combinations, by many names. The Wheel is a wonderfully flexible guide which can be experienced to each individual's preferred degree of sacred to secular. |
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Not all events are season-based! As we grow, we look forward to hosting folk arts workshops, music gatherings and social dances throughout the year.
Hearthsong is founded in Celtic heritage, but Gathering guest artists and facilitators are from, and informed by, global folk cultures and traditions.
Where
all events are held at the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House - 56 River St. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
all events are held at the historic Charles A. Brown Ice House - 56 River St. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
fall annually on the nearest (available!) weekends to the historic holidays of
TWELFTH NIGHT (Jan 5) & MAY DAY (May 1) Hosted by Celtic folk band, The Chivalrous Crickets, festival shows are large, family-friendly "concert-theater" affairs featuring tradition recreation, holiday music, costume & masking, audience games and activities, crafts, food, decorations, folk dancing, storytelling, and a party atmosphere. Check out some media from festivals below! |
GATHERINGS
fall on, or close to, the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days, and offer a space where attendees can sit in circle and connect to the varying early and midway points of each season through traditional music, folk crafts, meditation, shared words, activities, writing and more.
With a rotating roster of curators and performers, each Gathering is tailored to the seasonal holiday and the ancestral traditions associated with that time. Guests are invited to engage in participatory activities at their own comfort level. learn more about GATHERINGS |
FESTIVALS
on the main stage
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TWELFTH NIGHT
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MAY DAY
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PERSONNEL
Fiona Gillespie, Executive Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alison Gillespie, chair
Right Rev. Tony Pompa, treasurer
Kate Scuffle, secretary
Fiona Gillespie, Executive Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alison Gillespie, chair
Right Rev. Tony Pompa, treasurer
Kate Scuffle, secretary