In my younger years I visited Thailand, I was invited to the ‘Full moon Party’ which people have every month. I was too frightened to go though as I was on my own there!
Although I did not take part, I believe the concept of it, is good and I do believe the old tale that the full moon effects people’s behaviour. For a start, I never sleep as well, because it is so bright the light keeps me awake. One wonders if in time gone by people would have used moonlight to hunt and gather food, as well as dance and sing into the night.
The full moon can also impact the effects of storms. Last winter, the winter before the coronavirus outbreak, it was very stormy and wet. There was a big storm over Hastings, where I live. The combination of it being a full moon, high tide and raging weather pushed the shingle right up and onto the promenade, so much so you could not see the pavement under the deep set shingle.
With this in mind, this summer, I decided I would have my own full moon party, or rather gathering. Obviously it would not mimic the Thai full moon party in any way.
I live on the coast so I invited some friends down the beach. we had a fire and roasted apples in the fire. The apples were flavoursome as fruit often is once cooked. The apples are easy, cut them in half, sprinkle cinnamon and maple syrup on them, wrap them in foil, then place them at the edge of the fire, for twenty minutes.
You can also do this with pretty much any fruit, bananas with chocolate in them are also a winner. Next time I would like to try apricots as well. Once you take them out of the fire, wait ten minutes for them to cool down, they are scalding hot and will burn your mouth if you are not careful.
I also comprised a compilation of songs association with the full moon, such as ‘blue moon’, a ‘space oddity’ and of course the old classic’ dancing in the moonlight’ and used a blue tooth speaker.
It was nice having the fire, hypnotic you could say, especially as we put on Francis Bebey. A musician that creates music which is made up of an upbeat African style, that is strangely hypnotic.
The moon was shining bright down on us, while we laughed and joked, it was very beautiful.
Eventually the tide came up and we had to go. But it was a good evening, fire I find has a grounding effect on my emotions. it was very relaxing to be looking at the fire and the ocean at the same time.