Why seven years?

[tamnonlinear]

Why seven years?

Last night I was singing to the kittens (well, singing in the same room as the kittens. They were playing leap and pounce) before going to bed. I was singing the Kate Rusby version of "Botany Bay". I was struck by the line:

For seven long years I'm transported
seven long years and a day.
Of course, the Faerie Queen's

Comments

[oursin]

This makes me wonder whether it is really every seven years that every cell in the body is renewed, or whether this is actually riffing off a much older tradition.

[oursin]

And another thrilling legal fact: if a person had not been heard from for 7 years proceedings could be started to have them declared dead under English law. In popular belief (as I recall) it was widely supposed that if a husband had been absent for 7 years (?away with the fairies...?) the wife could remarry and not be bigamous (this belief was incorrect).

[tamnonlinear]

Thank you! That is just the sort of information I was looking for.

[oursin]

I also recollect that apprenticeships to a craft or trade were usually for a term of 7 years.

[tamnonlinear]

ooooo I just adore your brain. I truly truly do.

*pops this post into memories*

[oursin]

Heh - and I've just thought of a biblical quote - the forgiving '70 x 7'! (I shall be thinking in spasmodic sevens all evening)