The Pilgriming Vine Lyrics

Lyric discussion by jsm116 

Cover art for The Pilgriming Vine lyrics by Basia Bulat

In certain Pagan mythologies, the separation between the world of the living and the world of the dead fluctuates throughout the year, with connection being possible twice a year, at mid fall (Samhain aka Halloween) and at mid spring, which is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st with, among other things, a may pole. The person in this song is worried that either she or her lover, or both, will be called to the other side, and that despite spring being generally known as a time of fertility and rebirth, it is also a time when slipping over to the other side is significantly easier. Hence, the end of a snowy morning would be the end of winter and the coming of spring, and the pilgriming vine would be the earth reaching up for their bodies.

In the event that one or the other dies, the one who is left shouldn't look down at the maypole ie., they should still embrace life and keep living. Because if nowhere else, you should be able to be happy while attending a fertility celebration.

My Interpretation

@jsm116 This might draw a parallel to the maypole and the pilgriming vine: There is a beautiful traditional tale from Moldova about a man who couldn't find his joy no more in this world, he was ill from sadness.. So he went searching for remedy..A wise and very old pustnik/or solitary monk told him that there were once The Spring of Healing and a sacred Jug of Joy removing sadness and bringing Peace to the heart of man, but that they have been taken from this world due to the sins and deviations of the mankind.. but that he, if qualified,...