Although the details of the description, such as the warm showers and singing birds of spring, are conventional in medieval poetry, the poet handles them with an especially light touch. The poet devotes considerable attention to the changes taking place in the natural world as the seasons cycle onward. Gawain's allotted year passes quickly in these lines. The poet opens these lines with an unusual observation: He calls the incident at Camelot a 'hanselle,' or gift, that comes to Arthur because he asked for a wonder, or 'aventurus.' The poet does not explain how the impending doom of Arthur's finest knight can be a gift - that will not become apparent until the end of the poem - but the description carries through the theme of gift-giving in this Christmas poem. On Christmas Eve, he prays to the Virgin Mary to aid him, fearing he will not be able to hear Mass on Christmas. He wanders through the wilderness, fighting many strange enemies and the bitter winter weather. The court bids him a sad farewell, and Gawain sets off on his journey. Gawain's shield bears the emblem of a pentangle the poet explains how this figure symbolizes Gawain's virtues. The next day, he dresses in his armor and goes to Mass. The court makes merry, but they are sad, thinking of Gawain's fate. The king holds a feast for him on All Saints' Day.

The seasons change - winter, spring, and summer - until fall arrives.

Hail mary in latin worksheet