The affiliation between a selected autumnal vacation and felines of a specific melanistic coloration is a long-standing cultural phenomenon. This connection has advanced over centuries, intertwining folklore, superstition, and societal beliefs. For instance, in some cultures, these animals are thought of harbingers of misfortune throughout the interval surrounding late October celebrations.
The persistence of this pairing stems from a posh interaction of historic occasions and symbolic interpretations. The animals in query had been generally seen as familiars of witches throughout the witch hunts of early trendy Europe, cementing their damaging picture. Conversely, in some cultures, they’re thought of fortunate. The vacation itself is rooted in traditions regarding the tip of the harvest season and the boundary between the residing and the useless, offering a fertile floor for such beliefs to take root.
The next sections will delve into particular elements of this relationship, exploring its historic origins, its illustration in in style tradition, and its affect on animal welfare. It should tackle frequent misconceptions and try to offer a balanced perspective on this enduring cultural hyperlink.
1. Superstition
Superstition types a major cornerstone within the affiliation between Halloween and a selected kind of feline, contributing to each the enduring nature of the connection and the damaging stereotypes that may accompany it. These beliefs, usually unfounded in actual fact, have traditionally formed perceptions and proceed to affect societal attitudes.
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Dangerous Luck Omens
Probably the most prevalent superstition entails the idea that encountering certainly one of these animals, significantly when it crosses one’s path, is an omen of dangerous luck. This superstition is amplified round Halloween, a time already related to supernatural beliefs and anxieties. The origins of this perception are assorted, with some tracing again to the Center Ages when these animals had been related to witchcraft and the satan.
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Witch’s Acquainted
Traditionally, the animals in query have been linked to witches and witchcraft. They had been usually portrayed as “familiars,” supernatural entities that aided witches of their practices. This affiliation, fueled by folklore and worry, solidified the animal’s picture as an emblem of evil and misfortune. Halloween, with its give attention to witches and the supernatural, naturally reinforces this connection.
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Safety from Evil (Paradoxically)
Whereas predominantly seen as unfortunate, there exists a contradictory perception in some cultures that proudly owning or interacting with these animals can provide safety in opposition to evil spirits. This contrasting superstition underscores the advanced and sometimes inconsistent nature of folklore surrounding the animal. Nevertheless, the damaging associations are likely to outweigh the optimistic within the context of Halloween.
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Affect on Adoption Charges
The pervasive superstitions surrounding these creatures can sadly affect adoption charges, particularly round Halloween. Shelters usually report a lower in adoptions and a possible improve in abandonments throughout this era, pushed by worry and the perpetuation of damaging stereotypes. Some shelters droop adoptions quickly to forestall potential hurt to the animals.
In conclusion, superstition performs a pivotal function in shaping the narrative surrounding the hyperlink between a widely known vacation and explicit animals. These unfounded beliefs, stemming from historic anxieties and folklore, contribute to each the animal’s symbolic illustration and its real-world therapy, significantly throughout the Halloween season. Efforts to dispel these superstitions are essential to selling accountable pet possession and guaranteeing the protection and well-being of those animals.
2. Folklore
Folklore serves as a major automobile for understanding the enduring affiliation between a selected autumn vacation and felines possessing darkish fur. These conventional narratives, handed down via generations, have formed cultural perceptions and contribute considerably to the symbolism surrounding the animals in query.
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Form-Shifting Narratives
A recurring motif in folklore entails the idea that witches can rework into these animals or that the animals are witches in disguise. This shape-shifting narrative reinforces the hyperlink between the creatures and supernatural forces, making them figures of suspicion and worry, significantly throughout Halloween when the veil between the worlds is believed to skinny. Examples embrace tales of odd home cats performing as spies or messengers for witches.
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Guardians of the Underworld
Sure folklore traditions depict these animals as guardians or inhabitants of the underworld, additional associating them with demise and the supernatural realm. This connection is especially related to Halloween, a vacation that originated as a Celtic pageant honoring the useless. The animals’ perceived function as intermediaries between the residing and the useless provides to their mystique and potential for worry.
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Harbingers of Fortune (Each Good and Dangerous)
Whereas usually portrayed as omens of misfortune, folklore additionally comprises cases the place they’re thought of symbols of excellent luck, particularly within the context of Halloween. For instance, some cultures imagine that certainly one of these creatures showing at one’s doorstep on Halloween evening brings luck. Nevertheless, damaging interpretations are likely to dominate, significantly in Western folklore, overshadowing any potential for optimistic associations.
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The Acquainted Spirit Trope
The idea of the “acquainted spirit,” an animal companion to a witch, is a central factor in folklore. These familiars, usually represented as dark-colored cats, had been believed to own magical talents and act as intermediaries between the witch and the supernatural world. This trope solidified the animal’s function as an emblem of witchcraft and the occult, additional cementing its affiliation with Halloween and its themes of magic and the supernatural.
In abstract, folklore offers a wealthy tapestry of beliefs and narratives that designate the deep-seated affiliation between the autumnal vacation and explicit animals. From shape-shifting witches to guardians of the underworld, these tales have formed cultural perceptions and cemented the animal’s function as a potent image inside the Halloween custom, influencing each worry and fascination.
3. Misconceptions
The connection between an autumn vacation and a selected feline kind is usually tormented by misconceptions, considerably impacting the notion and therapy of those animals. These misunderstandings, fueled by folklore and perpetuated by cultural narratives, current a problem to animal welfare efforts and contribute to damaging stereotypes. The prevalence of those misconceptions is a crucial part of understanding the general dynamic between the celebration and the animal in query. A major instance is the inaccurate perception that numerous these animals are subjected to ritualistic abuse throughout the Halloween season. Whereas remoted incidents of animal cruelty are simple, knowledge from animal shelters and regulation enforcement businesses doesn’t assist the widespread assertion of rampant, organized abuse focusing on these animals particularly. This false impression can result in pointless panic and, in some instances, the short-term suspension of adoptions, which paradoxically limits alternatives for accountable placement.
Additional evaluation reveals that many misconceptions stem from historic associations with witchcraft and dangerous luck. The concept these animals are inherently evil or deliver misfortune just isn’t primarily based on factual proof however relatively on centuries of ingrained superstition. One other false impression is the exaggeration of the hazard posed by these animals to people. Whereas, like several animal, they’re able to defensive habits, the notion that they’re inherently aggressive or pose a larger risk than different home animals is unfounded. These misconceptions additionally lengthen to perceived adoption dangers. Some imagine that these animals are harder to take care of or have behavioral points. This can be a generalization that ignores the person personalities and wishes of every animal. Recognizing these misconceptions is important as a result of they straight affect adoption charges and public notion. Concern and misinformation can result in decrease adoption charges and even abandonment, significantly across the time of yr when these animals are most related to damaging symbolism.
In conclusion, addressing the misconceptions surrounding the hyperlink between the vacation and these explicit animals is essential for selling accountable pet possession and guaranteeing their well-being. Difficult these false beliefs requires a concerted effort involving schooling, correct reporting, and the promotion of optimistic narratives. Understanding the historic roots and the perpetuation of those misconceptions permits for focused interventions that dispel dangerous stereotypes and encourage compassionate therapy. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in its potential to enhance animal welfare outcomes and foster a extra knowledgeable and empathetic public notion of those animals, particularly throughout the Halloween season and past.
4. Symbolism
The convergence of Halloween and melanistic felines is closely laden with symbolism, the place these creatures turn into potent visible and conceptual representations of varied cultural anxieties and beliefs. This symbolic affiliation considerably shapes public notion and influences the animal’s function inside the broader Halloween narrative. The cause-and-effect relationship is obvious: historic superstitions and folkloric tales have imbued these animals with particular meanings, ensuing of their distinguished placement inside Halloween imagery and traditions. As a part of this explicit pairing, symbolism is indispensable; it transforms the animal from a mere creature into an icon embodying themes of thriller, the occult, and the boundary between the pure and supernatural. For example, contemplate the ever present picture of a black cat silhouetted in opposition to a full moon on Halloween decorations; this visible shorthand immediately evokes a way of unease and hints at darker themes. The sensible significance lies in understanding how this symbolism straight impacts the animal’s welfare, influencing adoption charges, perceptions of hazard, and cases of animal cruelty round Halloween.
Additional evaluation reveals that the animal’s symbolic function is multifaceted, usually shifting primarily based on cultural context and particular person interpretation. Whereas the animals are continuously related to dangerous luck and witchcraft in Western cultures, different traditions might view them as symbols of excellent fortune or safety. The prevalence of the damaging symbolism throughout Halloween, nonetheless, stems from a historic affiliation with marginalized teams and misunderstood practices. Through the witch hunts of early trendy Europe, these animals had been usually depicted as familiars of witches, solidifying their picture as brokers of evil. This historic baggage continues to tell up to date perceptions, perpetuating the animal’s damaging associations throughout a time when the supernatural is overtly embraced and even celebrated. In in style tradition, this symbolism is usually exploited for dramatic impact in movies, literature, and Halloween-themed merchandise. For instance, horror motion pictures continuously make the most of the animal as a soar scare or a visible illustration of impending doom, reinforcing the connection between them and worry.
In conclusion, the symbolic relationship between Halloween and these animals is advanced and deeply rooted in cultural historical past and folklore. Understanding this symbolism is essential for addressing the challenges it presents, significantly relating to animal welfare and public notion. By acknowledging the origins and penalties of those symbolic representations, efforts could be made to dispel dangerous stereotypes, promote accountable pet possession, and foster a extra balanced and empathetic understanding of those animals, particularly throughout the Halloween season. The problem lies in dismantling deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and changing them with factual data and optimistic narratives, in the end resulting in improved outcomes for the animals themselves.
5. Historical past
The historic relationship between Halloween and melanistic felines is multifaceted, evolving over centuries and reflecting shifting cultural beliefs and societal anxieties. Understanding this historical past is important for comprehending the fashionable affiliation, its persistence, and its penalties for the animals in query. The event of this connection just isn’t arbitrary; it stems from a confluence of occasions and evolving symbolic interpretations which have formed the animal’s function within the Halloween narrative. For instance, the affiliation between these creatures and witchcraft, which gained prominence throughout the witch hunts of the medieval and early trendy durations, has had an enduring affect on their notion. The notion that these animals had been familiars of witches solidified their picture as symbols of evil and misfortune, a connection that has continued via folklore and cultural representations to today. This historic context offers an important framework for understanding why they’re usually depicted in Halloween imagery and why sure superstitions proceed to affect public attitudes.
Additional evaluation reveals that the historical past of the hyperlink extends past the witch trials. Historic civilizations, such because the Egyptians, held cats in excessive regard, associating them with divinity and safety. Nevertheless, with the rise of Christianity in Europe, cats regularly misplaced their revered standing and have become more and more related to paganism and the occult. The colour black, usually related to darkness and the unknown, additional contributed to the damaging notion of dark-furred felines. As Halloween advanced from its Celtic origins as a pageant honoring the useless, it grew to become a fertile floor for these present superstitions and associations to take root. The vacation’s give attention to the supernatural and the blurring of the boundaries between the residing and the useless offered a context through which the animal’s perceived connection to witchcraft and evil might flourish. The sensible software of this understanding lies in recognizing that the damaging stereotypes related to the actual animal aren’t inherent however relatively are the product of historic and cultural forces. This realization can inform efforts to dispel dangerous misconceptions and promote accountable pet possession.
In conclusion, the historic relationship between Halloween and animals of a selected fur coloration is a posh tapestry woven from historical beliefs, spiritual shifts, and societal anxieties. Recognizing and understanding this historical past is paramount for addressing the challenges it presents, significantly with regard to animal welfare and public notion. By acknowledging the origins of those associations, focused interventions could be developed to dispel dangerous stereotypes, promote correct data, and foster a extra compassionate and knowledgeable understanding of those animals, particularly throughout the Halloween season. The long-term problem lies in overcoming centuries of ingrained cultural beliefs and selling a extra optimistic and nuanced perspective.
6. Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is considerably intertwined with the cultural phenomenon of Halloween and explicit darkly-furred felines, primarily as a result of perpetuation of damaging stereotypes and the potential for elevated dangers to the animals throughout this era. Superstitions linking these creatures to dangerous luck and witchcraft can lead to heightened cases of neglect, abandonment, and even cruelty. The cause-and-effect relationship is obvious: damaging perceptions stemming from folklore translate into tangible threats to animal security. The significance of animal welfare as a part of the connection between the celebration and the animal lies within the moral duty to guard weak creatures from hurt exacerbated by cultural traditions. For instance, animal shelters usually report a lower in adoptions and a possible improve in abandonment charges main as much as and instantly following Halloween, underscoring the direct affect of those beliefs on animal well-being. The sensible significance of understanding this connection is to implement focused interventions aimed toward mitigating these dangers, reminiscent of public consciousness campaigns and short-term adoption suspensions.
Additional evaluation reveals that the elevated threat to those animals throughout Halloween just isn’t solely attributable to malicious intent, but additionally to ignorance and worry. Misconceptions concerning the animals’ habits and inherent hazard can result in impulsive selections, reminiscent of abandoning a pet or failing to offer enough safety from potential hurt. Furthermore, the heightened environment of Halloween, with its related loud noises and elevated human exercise, could be nerve-racking and disorienting for animals, making them extra weak to accidents or escapes. Animal shelters and rescue organizations play a crucial function in addressing these challenges via schooling, outreach, and the availability of protected havens for weak animals. Sensible functions embrace public service bulletins dispelling myths concerning the animal and selling accountable pet possession, in addition to short-term fostering packages designed to offer short-term properties for animals throughout the high-risk interval. The potential ramifications of disregarding animal welfare on this context are extreme, starting from elevated animal struggling to the perpetuation of dangerous cultural narratives.
In conclusion, the intersection of animal welfare and the pairing of the Halloween celebration and darkly coloured felines requires diligent consideration and proactive intervention. Addressing the challenges requires a multi-faceted strategy encompassing public schooling, accountable pet possession, and collaboration between animal welfare organizations and group stakeholders. The target is to dismantle dangerous stereotypes, promote correct data, and make sure the security and well-being of those animals, not solely throughout the Halloween season however all year long. The overarching problem lies in fostering a tradition of compassion and respect for all animals, no matter their look or their affiliation with cultural traditions.
7. Fashionable Tradition
The manifestation of dark-furred felines alongside autumnal celebrations is considerably formed and perpetuated by in style tradition. This medium, encompassing movies, literature, tv, and digital platforms, reinforces present stereotypes, contributing to each the attract and the apprehension related to the animal throughout this seasonal interval. The causal relationship is obvious: historic superstitions are amplified and modernized via in style tradition, influencing public notion and impacting real-world therapy of the animals. Fashionable tradition serves as a major automobile for disseminating and normalizing these associations, reworking long-standing folkloric parts into up to date tropes. For example, the recurring picture of the animal as a witch’s companion in Halloween-themed motion pictures solidifies the connection within the minds of viewers, significantly kids, who’re impressionable and inclined to those narratives. The sensible significance of this understanding lies in recognizing the highly effective affect of in style tradition and leveraging it to advertise extra correct and optimistic representations of the animal. With out aware effort to counteract stereotypical representations, these animal stereotypes are perpetuated.
Additional examination reveals how totally different types of in style tradition contribute uniquely to this dynamic. Horror movies continuously make use of the animal as an emblem of impending doom or a harbinger of evil, capitalizing on pre-existing fears to create suspense. Animated tv exhibits and youngsters’s books, whereas usually meant to be lighthearted, might inadvertently reinforce damaging stereotypes via exaggerated depictions of the animal as mischievous or unfortunate. Social media platforms, with their fast dissemination of data and pictures, can amplify each optimistic and damaging narratives, contributing to the unfold of misinformation or, conversely, to the promotion of accountable pet possession. The sensible functions of this understanding embrace encouraging media literacy, selling accountable pet possession via social media campaigns, and supporting the creation of extra nuanced and optimistic portrayals of the animal in in style media. Moreover, organizations can actively have interaction with content material creators to problem stereotypical portrayals and promote factual details about animal habits and welfare.
In conclusion, the affect of in style tradition on the intersection of autumnal holidays and darkly-colored animals is simple and multifaceted. Addressing the challenges posed by stereotypical representations requires a proactive and strategic strategy. By understanding how totally different types of in style tradition contribute to the animal’s picture, interventions could be tailor-made to advertise correct data, problem dangerous stereotypes, and foster a extra compassionate and knowledgeable public notion. The last word objective is to leverage the ability of in style tradition to enhance animal welfare outcomes and domesticate a extra balanced and nuanced understanding of those animals, transcending the limiting confines of outdated superstitions and damaging portrayals.
8. Safety
The idea of “Safety” within the context of Halloween and darkly-furred felines encompasses measures undertaken to safeguard these animals from potential hurt, each bodily and reputational, throughout a interval when they’re significantly weak on account of heightened superstition and misrepresentation. This safety extends to numerous elements, together with stopping abuse, discouraging abandonment, and selling accountable pet possession.
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Shelter Adoption Insurance policies
Many animal shelters implement short-term restrictions on the adoption of those particular creatures main as much as and through Halloween. This measure is designed to forestall people with malicious intent from buying the animals below false pretenses for dangerous functions, reminiscent of ritualistic abuse, which, though statistically unusual, stays a critical concern. Such insurance policies are designed to make sure the animals’ security by decreasing publicity to potential hurt.
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Public Consciousness Campaigns
Varied organizations and animal welfare teams launch public consciousness campaigns throughout the Halloween season aimed toward dispelling myths and misconceptions about these creatures. These campaigns usually spotlight the significance of accountable pet possession, discouraging impulsive selections primarily based on superstition and selling compassionate therapy. By educating the general public, these initiatives purpose to cut back cases of neglect and abandonment pushed by worry or misinformation.
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Protected Havens and Foster Packages
Some animal rescue organizations provide short-term protected havens or foster packages for weak animals throughout the Halloween interval. These initiatives present a safe setting for the animals, shielding them from potential hurt and decreasing stress attributable to elevated exercise and noise ranges related to the vacation. The objective is to attenuate the chance of accidents, escapes, and deliberate hurt by offering a supervised and guarded setting.
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Laws and Legislation Enforcement
Present animal cruelty legal guidelines present a authorized framework for safeguarding all animals, together with particular darkly-furred animals, from abuse and neglect. Legislation enforcement businesses examine studies of animal cruelty and prosecute offenders. Moreover, some jurisdictions might implement particular laws or initiatives throughout Halloween to discourage animal abuse, reminiscent of elevated patrols or academic packages focusing on accountable pet possession.
These sides of “Safety” collectively purpose to mitigate the dangers confronted by melanistic felines throughout Halloween. By addressing the problem from a number of angles via preventative measures, public schooling, and authorized enforcement efforts could be made to make sure the protection and well-being of those animals throughout a interval when they’re significantly weak to the damaging penalties of superstition and misinformation. The effectiveness of those protecting measures hinges on collaboration between animal shelters, organizations, regulation enforcement, and the general public in selling accountable pet possession and difficult dangerous stereotypes.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next questions and solutions tackle frequent issues and misconceptions surrounding the affiliation between a selected autumnal vacation and felines of melanistic coloration. These responses purpose to offer factual data and promote a balanced understanding of this cultural phenomenon.
Query 1: Are explicit felines at elevated threat of hurt throughout Halloween?
Whereas statistically unsubstantiated claims of widespread ritualistic abuse exist, a heightened threat of neglect, abandonment, and opportunistic cruelty throughout the Halloween season can’t be dismissed. Heightened consciousness and preventative measures are suggested.
Query 2: Do animal shelters deliberately restrict adoptions throughout the month of October?
Many shelters implement short-term adoption restrictions or extra stringent screening processes for felines of melanistic coloration throughout October to forestall acquisition by people with malicious intent. This can be a preventative measure, not a blanket prohibition.
Query 3: Does a melanistic feline crossing one’s path portend misfortune?
The assumption that encountering the animal in query constitutes a harbinger of sick fortune is rooted in superstition and folklore. No empirical proof helps this declare.
Query 4: Are melanistic felines inherently extra aggressive or harmful than felines of different coat colours?
Feline temperament and habits are decided by particular person genetics, socialization, and environmental elements, not by coat coloration. Generalizations primarily based on coat coloration are inaccurate and deceptive.
Query 5: Is the affiliation between felines of melanistic coloration and Halloween declining in up to date society?
Whereas elevated consciousness and advocacy have led to some shifts in notion, damaging stereotypes and folkloric associations persist in in style tradition and proceed to affect societal attitudes.
Query 6: What steps could be taken to guard felines of melanistic coloration throughout the Halloween season?
Accountable pet possession, securing outside entry, supporting animal shelters and rescue organizations, and actively dispelling myths and superstitions are essential steps in safeguarding the welfare of those animals.
Key takeaways: The affiliation between a widely known vacation and explicit animals is advanced and rooted in historic and cultural elements. Addressing misconceptions and selling accountable pet possession are paramount for guaranteeing the protection and well-being of those animals.
The following part will discover actionable steps to positively affect public notion.
Safeguarding Felines of Melanistic Coloration Throughout Halloween
The next suggestions are designed to mitigate dangers confronted by these animals throughout the Halloween season, emphasizing accountable pet possession and proactive measures.
Tip 1: Confine Animals Indoors: Safe felines contained in the residence, significantly throughout the night hours main as much as and following Halloween. This reduces the chance of publicity to potential hazards, together with visitors, unsupervised people, and nerve-racking environmental stimuli.
Tip 2: Supervise Out of doors Excursions: When outside entry is unavoidable, guarantee direct supervision. Make the most of a leash and harness to keep up management and stop escape. Keep away from areas with excessive pedestrian or vehicular visitors.
Tip 3: Present Identification: Be sure that the animal has present identification tags and is microchipped. This will increase the probability of protected return if the animal turns into misplaced. Confirm that contact data is correct and up-to-date.
Tip 4: Mitigate Demanding Stimuli: Create a relaxed and safe indoor setting. Present a protected area, reminiscent of a crate or designated room, the place the animal can retreat from loud noises and unfamiliar guests. Make the most of calming aids, reminiscent of pheromone diffusers, if needed.
Tip 5: Stay Vigilant: Be observant of environment and report any suspicious exercise to native authorities. Take immediate motion if the animal displays indicators of misery or damage.
Tip 6: Promote Correct Info: Actively dispel myths and superstitions associating these animals with misfortune or malevolence. Share factual details about accountable pet possession and the significance of animal welfare.
Tip 7: Help Native Shelters and Rescues: Contribute to animal shelters and rescue organizations via donations, volunteer work, or fostering. These organizations play an important function in safeguarding weak animals and selling adoption.
These measures collectively improve the protection and well-being of melanistic felines throughout a interval when they’re disproportionately weak. Proactive engagement and accountable actions contribute to a safer setting.
The concluding part will summarize the important thing factors of this evaluation.
Conclusion
The exploration of “Halloween and black cats” reveals a posh interaction of historical past, folklore, superstition, in style tradition, and animal welfare issues. The enduring affiliation, rooted in centuries-old beliefs, continues to affect societal perceptions and might negatively affect the well-being of felines with melanistic fur, significantly throughout the Halloween season. Misconceptions perpetuate dangerous stereotypes, impacting adoption charges and probably rising the chance of neglect or abuse. Public notion impacts the animal’s therapy by public, the place worry and misunderstanding might probably have damaging impacts.
Continued schooling, accountable pet possession, and proactive measures are important to difficult these stereotypes and guaranteeing the protection and well-being of those animals. By selling factual data and fostering empathy, a extra nuanced and compassionate understanding could be cultivated, transcending the restrictions of outdated superstitions. The duty rests with people and communities to actively contribute to a extra optimistic future for these often-misunderstood creatures, not solely throughout Halloween however all year long.
