St. Gregory’s Day was once an important holiday, signaling the arrival of spring and, with it, light. It marked the end of the period when days were shorter than nights and artificial light was an indispensable part of daily life. When daylight becomes longer than darkness, we no longer need artificial light – nature provides enough on its own.
At the Deafblind Association of Slovenia DLAN, we dedicated some time to introducing the holiday and its significance, both historically and today. We recalled why people believed that birds “married” on St. Gregory’s Day and how they celebrated the longer, warmer days.
Then we rolled up our sleeves and tried making, so called ‘gregorčke’, ourselves. Using natural materials, we created little boats and other imaginative items, each holding a small light – a symbol of the light that guided us through the winter. The result was a collection of beautiful, unique creations, full of childlike creativity, warmth, and joy.
At the end, we symbolically bid farewell to winter and welcomed spring, in keeping with the old tradition. St. Gregory’s Day continues to connect us today, encouraging creativity and reminding us that after every period of darkness, there is always time for light and a new beginning.
Ljubljana, 3 March 2026
