 They state that these were originally the 14 days each year (seven days on either side of the shortest day of the year) during which Alcyone (as a kingfisher) laid her eggs and made her nest on the beach and during which her father Aeolus, god of the winds, restrained the winds and calmed the waves so she could do so in safety.Aeolus controls the wind and the bird couple can nurture their young nestlings.The phrase has since come to refer to any peaceful time.