withliðas

Withliðas is an Old English term that translates to "the month of the wolves" or "the month of the weak" in modern English. It was the name of the twelfth month of the Anglo-Saxon year, generally corresponding to January. The name reflects the harshness of winter in England, a period when food was scarce and wolves were more likely to be seen venturing near settlements in search of sustenance. Alternatively, "withliðas" may refer to the "weakening" of the year, as the days began to lengthen after the winter solstice. This month followed Æfterra Gēola (after Yule) and preceded Solmōnað (mud month). Like other Old English month names, withliðas provides insight into the agricultural and natural cycles that governed Anglo-Saxon life. The precise start and end dates of these months could vary slightly depending on regional customs or the specific calendar system in use.