If you know your birds, you know halcyon is another name for the kingfisher who was fabled to have the power to calm the winds and waves during the winter season. Folk lore has Halcyon Days lasting from December 15 to December 29; the seven days before and the seven days after the winter solstice.
The story in Greek mythology has Halcyon so upset when her husband dies in a shipwreck that she throws herself into the sea. The gods transform the couple into birds and they control the winds and the waves.
May this holiday season bring you peace!
