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For a long time, fairies have always been the subject of children’s bedtime stories and cartoons, but it is different now. Now, you see them everywhere you go. These incredible mythological creatures are everywhere from life-size figurines in theme parks making kids and adults alike giggle to mugs to t-shirts and everything else in between. It appears that the world has been absolutely captivated by the fairy fever. So much so that there is even an international fairy day celebrated on June 24 every year!
So, how come these winged creatures have become so popular over the years and captured the imagination of thousands if not millions of people all around the world? Well, it all lies in its diverse history. So, let’s get started:
Fairies have been in existence all over the world except not all of them were called ‘fairies.’ They have been called different names depending on the culture of the country. However, no matter where you go or live, they all have one thing in common. People everywhere believe fairies are supernatural spirits who inhabit the world around us. They also lead their lives abiding by strange laws. And that’s where the similarities end.
Here is a fun fact most of you probably never heard. Did it ever occur to you that dwarves and gnomes are also considered as a part of the fairy clan? Dwarves and gnomes are common in German folk stories, particularly to those who worked in the mountains and mines. Another kind of fairies is ‘Knockers’. These fairies lived in mines and often “knocked” to warn miners of possible cave-ins and other dangers synonymous with mining, hence their name.
Gnomes are red-headed creatures that are commonly seen in people gardens and backyards. Gnomes are said to be shy, quiet creatures and hail from the dark northern forests. People believe they spent most of their time living near to humans and occasionally help them out.
Here’s an outrageous one or at least it feels like one to me. There are fairies called ‘Irish Selkie’, who live in the oceans and according to folklore, these creatures have dark eyes and hair and can transform themselves into humans. Yes, you heard that right! And, not just any humans – beautiful women! However, Irish Selkie started off as seals and they would only morph themselves to women when they came ashore and shed off their skins.
I can already hear you all good folks asking, “Heck, what kind of question is that?” We know a thing or two about fairies. We know they are mythological creatures, have magical powers, intelligent, and can sometimes be whimsical or mischievous. But that’s not all. There are more to fairies and their intentions, as well as appearances, differ based on the country and the time period.
If you recall, Peter Pan, one of the most well-known fairies in children’s books, most of us will think that fairies are sweet, happy, and helpful creatures. If you go step back in history, 12th century or even earlier, you will realize that fairies weren’t always as they seem today. They weren’t the happy and helpful, in fact, far from it. Fairies such as sileni, elves, or nymphs are often depicted as sinister creatures and harmed men like they made men disappear, for example. In Scottish folklore, fairies were portrayed as unpleasant creatures and, in some cases devilish.
It was only during the Shakespearean era, where the public perception of fairies took a u-turn. It was Shakespeare, who in his book ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ showcased fairies as harmless and fun-loving creatures, which is what we conceive today. That is a whole paradigm shift for fairies if you ask me, given the fact, once they were thought to make men vanish! Phew! In the following section, we will talk a bit more about fairies.
So, where do fairies live? This is a question mostly asked by children when you read them a bedtime story about Peter Pan or other fairies. According to some stories, fairies don’t live in the same world as ours. They live in some sort of a parallel world. They created this whole new magical world themselves as they got bored living in ours. Damn, if we, humans can only do that, sign!
You can’t see fairies in their world, but you can glimpse at them when the barrier division between the worlds gets thinner at certain times such as during the summer or winter. Some stories say it is during twilight or festivals like Beltane.
However, skeptics will deny most of this and will simply tell that the only place fairies can live is in our imagination, and that’s not a bad thing. Imagination is a wonderful thing and should be celebrated. So, let the fairies have a great time there.
That’s plenty of fairy tale we had there, so to keep things more interesting, let’s jump to discuss some ideas on how we can make the most of this magical unofficial holiday.
Similar to Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day, we celebrate Fairy Day on June 24 to honor these mythical creatures. Fairy enthusiasts and kids around the world participate in many festivals and celebrations during this day. But, if you don’t like hanging out in crowded festivals, don’t fret as you can have a festive fairy themed party at home with your friends and family.
We can’t think of a better way to commemorate the international fairy day than making an adorable fairy garden in your backyard garden by yourself. To all those fine folks dreading DIY projects, let me assure you one thing — it’s really easy to create a fairy garden. All you need are some simple items and following some really easy instructions. So, let’s do it:
If you follow these step by step instructions correctly, you can make a great fairy garden. This is the one we made.
In case you’re wondering where you can get incredible accessories for your fairy garden project including fairy houses, fairy doors, fairy garden landscaping, miniature furniture, and other fairy garden accessories, check the link below: https://www.earthfairy.com.au/collections/fairy-gardens
If you are a parent, then this is something you can ask your daughter to do just to liven up the holiday spirit of the fairy day. You daughter can dress up in a fairy costume. At first making a fairy costumemay look complicated, but it’s actually easy as you don’t have to do any sewing. It is a perfect craft if you’re a working and don’t have enough. Furthermore, this is something that you and your kids will enjoy making together. So, let’s go:
Mythology is a huge part of any fairy tales. Fairies, gnomes or w wizards are mythical beings. Similarly, unicorns, dragons, talking rabbits, centaurs, etc, are all mythological creatures. You can’t expect a fairy-themed party or a fairy garden without excluding these creatures. Here we will talk about a few such animals.
This is by far one of the most common when it comes to fairy stories. They’re also a hit with the kids during any party or celebration. You can many variations of miniature unicorns for your fairy garden or as toys for your kids. Here are a few designs:
Dragons are also common in fairy stories, but unlike the unicorn, these fire-breathing creatures are often destructive in nature. But there are cute and nice dragons too, so don’t be sad! Let’s check out some:
The "Gazing Upwards" dragon is sitting steadily upon his rock, with his wings relaxed, and his big, brown eyes looking up at you. He has a sweet, snub nose and a broad white chest. His brother is "Gazing Down" with his front claws fastened over his chest, and looking down dreamily. These dragons are coated with UV paint to withstand the weather in your garden. However they also make a charming addition to a dragon-loving child's room.
Frogs can be seen in the real world, but how many of you have seen an adorable, smiling frog rowing a small boat? Yup, it can only happen in a fairy garden.
Celebrating a fairy-themed party during the international fairy day is incomplete if you aren’t sporting a flower crown. if you’re too old to don one, then at least make sure the kids are having fun with them. Below are some whimsical flower crowns we hope will be a treat to your senses.
This gorgeous crown is made of soft sustainable silk and the design takes it inspiration from dragons as it includes wings, points, and horns. It is also for children to wear.
This is an artificial, handmade vine crown that looks very natural and simple.
This is a delicate, beautiful crown consisting of golden branches, rhinestone accents, and dragonflies.
You know what is a fun, yet intellectual activity to do on international fairy day? Yes, reading renowned fairy tales. For centuries fairy tales has been teaching us timeless life lessons. Here are some awesome fairy tales collections you can read to for yourself (if you’re still a kid at heart!) or read them to your kids when they go to bed.
Aesop's Fables are one of the few fairy tales that can leap into the hearts and minds of old and young readers easily. This collection includes popular classics such as “The Tortoise and the Hare", "The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg", etc.
This is another great fairy tales collection. The enchanting artwork will easily lure readers into the fantasy world of dragons, princesses, peasants, and so on.
This is a fantastic collection of stories that are guaranteed to entertain as well as delight young kids. Favorite stories include classics such as The Frog Prince, The Swan Princess, and The Little Red Riding Hood.
There is something endearing about June 24. It is the time of the year where all of our fantasy and imagination converge in honor of International Fairy Day. These supernatural creatures have given birth to countless legends and myths that have keep up captivated for generations. Today, we cherish them by making fairy gardens, children’s books, cartoons, and movies.
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