The Alkyonides days are the phenomenon during which extreme weather conditions subside, and good weather prevails with sunshine, without clouds and winds. They take place in the heart of winter, from December 15th to February 15th. These days are often characterized by temperatures considered high for the season.
The Alcyon, known as the kingfisher in English, is traditionally a beautiful bird with a long and powerful beak to catch its prey. It has blue color on its head and back, white color on its neck, and orange-red feathers on its chest to stand out against the azure-white sky and the sea. The Alcyon symbolizes tranquility, protection, and calms the turbulent sea.
According to mythology, Alcyone, the daughter of Aeolus, was a stunning woman married to Ceyx. Their marriage was so successful that they believed themselves equal to the gods. To punish their arrogance, Zeus sank Ceyx’s ship, leaving him to drown. Alcyone mourned deeply. Zeus, pitying her, transformed her into a beautiful bird, the kingfisher, destined to lay her eggs during winter. Thus, Zeus ordered the winds to cease, and the sun to shine for fifteen days in the heart of winter so that Alcyone could brood her eggs peacefully.