25 Nov.- Cattern's Day

[Judith Connors]

Saint Cattern (a corruption of St Catherine) is the patron saint of lace makers, spinners and weavers, and several other groups associated with wheels. She is honoured on 25 November, as is Queen Katharine of Aragon, who taught lace making to the people of Bedfordshire while she was under house arrest at Amptill in England.

A native of Alexandria c.300 AD, Catherine was a young, educated woman of noble birth, who protested the persecution of Christians by the Roman governor, Maximin Daza. She was arrested and executed on a revolving wheel to which blades were attached. Hence the Catherine Wheel.

Lace makers celebrate Cattern's Day by baking Cattern cakes and demonstrating their particular type of lace. Will anyone be celebrating Cattern's Day?

Judith.

[Ridgewoman]

Well, now that I actually know about the day; and the explanation for the 'wheel' and the fact that she was a martyr. . this is one novice tatter who will certainly do something in remembrance of Cattern's Day. Are the cakes made in a special way? I think it would be a lovely custom to begin here. Beverly

[Artylady]

and my Lace Guild does a special Catterns Day bobbin every year - a great way to build up (albeit, very slowly) a nice collection.

[Maureen L]

A Cattern's Day shuttle would be wonderful, wouldn't it? - any chance your Guild might organise those for next year, Liz?
This is terribly interesting, because I didn't know about any of it. I am marking it in my calendar at once.

[emkay]

Well, hot diggity, one really can learn something new everyday :-)
I did not know about Cattern's Day, but I am delighted to learn about it. Any more info that can be provided? Any other customs for celebrating it?

[IcePrincess]

Here in Germany St. Catherine's day traditionally is the first day of christmas bakery. You start with St. Catherine's cookies (Kathrinchen) and gingerbread.

[Judy]

I will, now that I know about it.
What are the cakes?

[mjbedford]

Here in Perth, the Lace guild organises a get together/market day. It's the last big lace day of the year.

[carolivy]

I didn't know anything about this either!
Here are some Cattern Cake recipes that I have found:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Lacemakers-Cattern-Cakes-English-Spiced-Sugar-Cookies-266901
http://www.jane-williams.me.uk/SO/recipes/catterncakes.htm
http://www.recipezaar.com/Cattern-Catherine-Cakes-138969

[Ridgewoman]

I will, now that I know about it.
What are the cakes?

There is a book on "Cheap Books.com and Amazon that has BOTH the cake recipes and tatting patterns; in case anyone is interested in following up. B:heart:

[Judith Connors]

Sorry, I can't find the recipe for Cattern Cakes just now, but I know that they contain currants. They are somewhat like a soft cookie; gingerbread sounds tasty.

Re the Catherine Wheel: You will see it appropriately on the logo of The Lace Guild (UK).

So, Happy Cattern's Day for Wednesday everyone!