HALCYON DAYS, in Antiquity, a name given to seven
days before and as many after the winter solstice; because at this season the halcyon, invited by the calmness of the weather, laid its eggs in nests built close by the brink of the sea; and hence the phrase halcyon days is expressive of times of peace and tranquillity.
"As late they love: their nuptial faiths they show,
Now little birds ingender, parents grow;
Seven winter dayes with peacefull calme posses,
Alcyon sits upon her soating nest."—Sandy's Ovid. Met. b. xi.