The Violet Hour

This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder,

when the affections glow again and valor is reborn,

when the shadows deepen magically along the edge

of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully,

at any moment we might see a unicorn. - 

Bernard DeVoto "The Hour" (1948)

"The Hour: A Cocktail Manifesto" written by Pulitzer Prize author Bernard DeVoto, is a classic book celebrating one part history and two parts manifesto, lightly stirred, not shaken. DeVoto tells us how to treat a cocktail and why we drink "properly," such as relaxing in a opulent upholstered wing-back chair.   

American poet, T.S. Eliot also gives mention of the violet hour in his 1922 poem, "The Waste Land. "At the violet hour, when the eyes and back turn upward from the desk ... At the violet hour, the evening hour that strives ..." 

"The evening hour that strives ... " The hour that strives to bring us relaxation, and strives to celebrate any quiet time we can find for ourselves. 

It's important to know that whether or not you partake of the spirits, the Violet Hour is for all of us. It is an hour where we can quietly connect with a partner or friend, but especially an hour of quiet time for ourselves. It's a reminder to put away your cell phone and other media, turn on a little light background music, if you wish; and use your nicest crystal glassware - even if it is a non-alcoholic drink.  

The setting is important, from a wing-back chair in front of a cozy fire in the fireplace to a rocking chair on the porch feeling the breeze and capturing the smells of a rose garden. It's a time to sit back and enjoy the quiet - the hush and wonder - reclaiming yourself after a busy day.  Perhaps, if you are lucky, you may even see a unicorn.