What to Bring

• A Costume
• Winter Bells
• Musical Instruments
• Friends and Family
• A Picnic Luncheon or Money for the Cafe
  

WHAT IS A FANCY?

A Fancy is an idea, a thought, a snippet of wisdom or inspiration, or positive emotion embodied in a small gift to be given to stranger or left for someone to find.

There are many tales of fae folk giving unusual, wondrous or lavish gifts to humans, sometimes in response to a great need, sometimes as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude.

Many faerie gifts disappear a short time after they are given, showing the transience of all things, as well as the fact that an object or thing is not the point of a gift. They were particularly known to disintegrate when the receiver failed to understand the meaning or the spirit of the gift and instead tried to assign a monetary value.

The value in giving is the positive energy that is created. Gift-giving curiously makes both the giver and the receiver feel lifted and energised, even though the giver is theoretically left with nothing. Joy can be manifested, and is most easily harvested when it is shared.

Therefore the strongest and most worthy gift is a gift of thought, of energy.

IDEAS FOR A FANCY

These are just a few ideas. Let your imagination run wild. A Fancy is strongest when it embodies something that has great meaning to you, whether it brings you joy, serenity, clarity, excitement or mischievous glee!

• posie / bouquet, flowers, potted plant, twigs, gumnuts, feathers, ribbons
• scroll, little book, poem, quote, calligraphy, wisdom
• pendant, ring, bracelet, hair fascinator, key chain, pen, watch, key
• handkerchief, scarf, ribbon
• flute, drum, maracas, musical bells

'Riders of the Sidhe' - John Duncan

WHAT COULD I MAKE AS A FANCY?

A Fancy can be anything, as long it has a particular meaning or thought attached to it, and that meaning can be understood by the person receiving the gift. 

A Fancy acts as a symbol or talisman, embodying a mood, feeling or idea. 
It is like an ingredient in a spell. 

It can be something nonsensical, like a hen's egg filled with glitter, or it can have a very practical purpose, like a potted flower or herbs. It can be decorative, like a piece of jewellery or a watch, or intellectual, like a poem or inspiring quote.

The value or nature of the object itself is not the point - only the embodied idea has true worth. Thus the giving of a Fancy works best when accompanied with a story or explanation of the Fancy's true nature. If you are feeling a little shy about giving your Fancy to someone you don't know, ask a Gift Bearer to tell the tale of its meaning on your behalf when it is being given.

'The Decameron' - John William Waterhouse