And with the new year and the topic of thresholds one also must mention beaches being neither land nor sea. This brings me to the subject of the Afro-Caribbean goddess Yemya. One of the deities brought to the new world by African slaves and an important deities a syncretized religion mixing African mysticism and Roman Catholicism. With it being a mix, many Catholic holidays became connected to the beliefs of the descendants of the slaves. On February 2nd was Candle Mass in the church when the church candles were blessed. On February 2nd special boats were crafted by the Brazilian practicers of the faith. Small boats adorned with flowers, seashells, images, of the saints’ special notes, and of course, candles. And if the boats would sing the Yemya had accepted these offerings and would bless those asking with gifts. She was connected to the moon, the sea, and fertility thus she was the spirit called upon for those wishing to have children. Fisher men might call upon her to bring about a great catch. Sometimes these petitions were made at new yeas, but I have also read of Candle Mass was the time to call upon Yemya for her favors. And so, it goes.