Our Lady Of The Snows

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s and 4s set to partners, turn 2H, 1L followed by partner casts behind 2L and dances round other couple LSh to face 3L while 4L followed by partner casts up behind 3L, round other couple to face 2L
9-16 4s+2L also 1s+3L dance RH and LH across 2M/3M, 4s end facing up in 2nd place, 1s facing down in 3rd place and 2M and 3M face out
17-20 4s and 1s dance out ends and cast to 2nd/3rd place while 2s and 3s dance down/up sides 1 place then dance in and 2s dance up to 1st place, 3s down to 4th place
21-24 4s+1s circle 4H round to left
25-32 All circle left for 2 steps, set, drop hands and dance 1 more step to left and cast back anticlockwise to places. 24(1)(3)

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Our Lady Of The Snows - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

This epithet refers to an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the French Alps in the 19th century. The specific incident occurred in the village of La Salette, where two shepherd children claimed to have witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary on September 19, 1846.

According to the accounts provided by the children, Melanie Calvat and Maximin Giraud, the Lady of the Snows appeared weeping, conveying a message that emphasized repentance and observance of the Sabbath. The event gained attention and eventually led to the construction of a basilica at the site in honor of Our Lady of La Salette. Pilgrimages to the sanctuary have since become a significant aspect of the religious observance, drawing visitors seeking spiritual solace.

The title "Lady of the Snows" is also associated with another Marian apparition in Rome. In August 352 AD, a miraculous snowfall was reported on the Esquiline Hill, where a basilica in honor of Mary was subsequently built. The snowfall, occurring during the heat of summer, is regarded as a divine sign and has led to the designation of Mary as Our Lady of the Snows in this context.

Beyond these specific instances, the title has been employed in various poetic and artistic representations of the Virgin Mary, highlighting her purity and connection to heavenly realms. The concept of the Lady of the Snows thus holds religious and cultural significance, with devotees venerating Mary under this title as an intercessor and symbol of divine grace.