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Yule
Event Details
Time: December 20, 2014 to December 22, 2014
Location: Celebrate where ever you choose
Event Type: holiday, festival, time
Organized By: Practitioners World wide
Latest Activity: Dec 30, 2013
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Event Description
Celebrate Yule in December with crafts, recipes, and rituals that rejoice in the sun's return to earth.
Yule is a celebration of the return of the light at the time of the winter solstice.
No matter how you celebrate it, the winter solstice is traditionally a time for all kinds of festivities, feasting, and fun.
The celebration of Yule at the Winter Solstice goes back hundreds of years. From the hearths of the Celtic tribes to the bonfires of the Norsemen, this winter holiday has been celebrated in many ways.
Cultures around the world have celebrated the winter solstice, and each has its own unique set of deities. These are some of the gods and goddesses associated with the holiday of the winter solstice.
Yule falls at the time of the Winter Solstice. Use seasonal concepts and themes to represent the longest night of the year on your Yule altar.
If your family enjoys celebration around the holidays, this Yule Log ceremony is a simple one you can perform with or without kids. Welcome the sun back into your lives as you burn your Yule Log.
At the winter solstice, some Practitioner groups celebrate with a goddess rite -- saying goodbye to the old, and welcoming the new. This ritual is designed for a group of four or more people.
The winter solstice is a festival of the sun, so why not celebrate by honoring its return?
If your family celebrates Yule with a decorated tree, you may want to consider doing a blessing ritual either when you cut it down or before your decorate it
Yule is a time of new beginnings for many people, as the sun returns its light back to the earth. Use this time of year to do not only some emotional refreshing, but also a physical cleansing of your personal space.
Looking for some great books to celebrate the Yule season? Curl up in front of a nice warm fire with one.
Just because you're celebrating Yule instead of Christmas doesn't mean you can't have a tree for the holiday and a tree itself is actually a pretty Practitioner thing!
Yule should be a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it becomes a stress-filled nightmare.
During the Yule season, a lot of us tend to eat more than our normal share. After all, it's the time of year when you're visiting friends and attending celebrations, and there's always food involved!
In England, it was traditional for people to visit from house to house, singing songs, much like Christmas Carolers do today. As a reward for their songs, they'd be given a cup of wassail.
In Scotland, the festival of Hogmanay is even more important than Christmas. Evolved from the Practitioner celebrations of Yule, Hogmanay is observed at the end of December, just before the New
The ancient Romans had a festival for just about everything, and the winter solstice was no exception. The week-long celebration of Saturnalia was a time of great partying, debauchery, and general revelry.
In modern Practitioners, one of the most popular legends is that of the Oak and Holly Kings. These two archetypes battle as the Wheel of the Year turns, and at Yule, one must relinquish his crown.
Although Julius Caesar attributed the use of mistletoe in ritual to the Druids, it has also been traced back to the Greek winter ceremonies.
Did you know that in Greece, fresh basil is attached to a wooden cross, or why the Scots want a dark-haired visitor on New Year's Day?
Winter Solstice…. “Yule” (Winter)
December 21 2014 23:03 GMT
Comment Wall
Comment
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Comment by Dept of PMM Artists & things on December 13, 2013 at 3:57pm
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Health Benefits of Dried Fruit
Dried fruit can be super high in antioxidants, which can modulate inflammation in the body and support cardiovascular health. Because they are so high in antioxidants many different kinds of dried fruits are used to support eye health.
Keep in mind that these sweet treats are still treats. They contain lots of sugars which, even though they are natural, can still be problematic for people with insulin resistance, diabetes or anyone concerned with eating too much sugar. Moderation in everything as they say.
This recipe is very forgiving so don’t feel trapped by my dried fruit suggestions; feel free to use any type of dried fruit that suits your fancy.
Health Benefits of the spices in this recipe
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warming spice that can be used for a variety of health complaints, from fevers to tummy aches and menstrual cramps. Cinnamon is a wonderful herb to help lower blood glucose levels and is therefore a great addition to anything sweet. This is one spice I buy already powdered since it can be hard to powder yourself.
Cardamom
I think cardamom is one of the most alluring spices - no wonder it is a common ingredient in aphrodisiac recipes. In the herbal world it is well known for its ability to support the lungs and has been studied a lot for its benefits for asthma. If you are grinding your own cardamom, discard the green hulls and grind the seeds within.
Fennel
Fennel is a famous digestive herb. It is aromatic and carminative and is perfect for helping with stagnant digestion such as bloating. It also simply tastes great and can be added to both sweet and savory foods.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a calming spice that is best when freshly ground. You can buy special graters for this or you can simply use the small side of a cheese grater. Warmed nutmeg milk is a famous drink to help support sleep.
Obtained from: http://www.learningherbs.com/news_issue_105.html
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Sugar Plum Recipe (without the sugar)
by Rosalee de la Forêt
This is a super simple recipe that will please anyone’s sweet tooth. We’ve found they go especially well with homemade eggnog. These work well for holiday parties, or wrap them up and give the gift of sugar plums this holiday season.
1 cup nuts
(I used walnuts this time; I also like a mix of hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans)
2 tsp freshly grated orange zest
1/4 cup dried currants
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup chopped and pitted prunes
1/4 cup pitted dates
2 tsp cinnamon powder
2 tsp roasted fennel seeds that have been lightly ground
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup maple syrup
coconut flakes for rolling
Out of spices? Try Mountain Rose Herbs.
First, pit the dates.Roast the fennel seeds in a dry pan on medium high heat, stirring frequently. They are done when slightly browned and they smell fragrant (it just takes a couple of minutes). When they are roasted, lightly grind them using a spice grinder or suribachi.
You can find a suribachi at Mountain Rose Herbs, right here. (http://edge.affiliateshop.com/public/AIDLink?AID=%A0050823&Redi...)
Place the nuts, dried fruit, spices, orange zest and maple syrup in a food processor. (A heavy duty blender would probably work too).
Pulse the mixture until it is just combined and starting to stick together.
Form into bite size balls. Roll in the coconut.
Store in the fridge and eat soon.
Health benefits of walnuts
Walnuts are anti-inflammatory, are high in essential fatty acids and have been studied extensively for their beneficial actions on the brain. (Interesting that walnuts look sorta like brains too.)
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Turkey Salad
1 1/4 pounds left-over turkey, diced
3/4 cup chopped green onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup Vegenaise
2 Tbls. spicy brown mustard
3 Tbls. fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half and/or diced apple
1/2 cup sliced almonds or coarsely chopped pecans, toastedIn a large bowl, stir the Vegenaise and mustard to combine. Add turkey, green onions, celery and parsley, stir until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in grapes and nuts, serve immediately. If making ahead, reserve fruit and nuts until just before serving. Use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/
Herbal Resource Links
Herbal Legacy - http://www.herballegacy.com - Our free information website
The School of Natural Healing - http://www.snh.cc - Quality Education since 1953
Christopher Publications - http://www.christopherpublications.com - Dr. Christopher's books and more
Christopher Websites - http://www.christopherwebsites.com - Find all Christopher websites and other great resources
A Healthier You Radio Show - http://www.ahealthieryouradio.com - Free weekly radio showHerbal Legacy
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Holiday Plants-David Christopher MH
The senses are truly enhanced during the holidays with our wonderful plants. Just think of a white and grey landscape in winter and your sight is drawn to the brilliant color of evergreens. The Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe, Yews and of course pine trees and other evergreens. For millenniums these special plants have given hope for ensuing spring, renewed life and even sparked thoughts of eternal life. The physical manifestations of these "everlasting" plants help Christians remember gospel principles. Living through winter is associated with living beyond this mortal life. The white flower of the Holly reminds of purity. The red berries of the Yew represent the atoning blood and the prickly Holly leaves reminds us of the thorny crown.
The Poinsettia contains the main colors of Christmas. As legend is passed down, a young peasant girl wanted to give the Christ child a gift but had no money, so she gathered a bouquet of weeds from the road side and when presented, it transformed into the beautiful Poinsettia plant. The Mistletoe is an evergreen because of the Oak and other trees. Mistletoe is dependent on these trees for its life; it is a parasite. The tradition of kissing under the Mistletoe started as a Norse custom. I can just imagine an irrepressible Viking invoking his will under this parasite to get that first kiss.
The senses of smell and taste are exhilarated during the Holiday season with Allspice, Cinnamon, Cloves, Peppermint, Rosemary and Thyme. Then think of the wonderful fruits kiwi, oranges, pomegranates, apples, dates, figs, currents, cranberries, blueberries, huckleberries, gooseberries, loganberries, boysenberries and so many more.
What memories are invoked when I smell and then crack open pine nuts. Let's not forget, chestnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamias, walnuts and Brazil nuts. Isn't it strange that we use these wonderful foods so infrequently?
All of the aforementioned plants except Poinsettias have medicinal uses. For example, pine needles are high in Vitamin C and the pitch is anti-bacterial. The Mistletoe is used for cancer and the Yew has had worldwide acceptance for curing breast cancer. Cinnamon helps control diabetes, Cloves are a good pain killer and diminish bad breath, Peppermint is a digestive aid, Rosemary will help you remember those on your Christmas list and Thyme will help stop the colds you will likely get from kissing strangers under the Mistletoe.
If plants are not an intricate part of your holiday traditions may I suggest starting some new traditions this year, I guarantee they will be cherished for generations to come.
We wish you and yours the happiest of Holiday Seasons.
David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. He also co-hosts the popular radio show "A Healthier You" and is a popular international teacher and lecturer.
Printable Version: http://www.herballegacy.com/
If you missed an article be sure to visit http://www.herballegacy.com and click on Articles. Also, take advantage of David Christopher's Radio Show (see Resource Links below for more information).
M
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Yule Herbs
Apple Leaf, Apples Dried, Bayberry, Blessed Thistle, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cloves, Comfrey, Elder, Frankincense, Holly, Ivy, Laurel, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oak Leaves, Pine, Sandalwood, Sunflower, Wintergreen and Yule Log Ashes; Fir; Birch; Hazel; Bark; Oak; Pine; Cedar.
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More info on mistletoe!
Mistletoe was sacred to the Druids, and branches of mistletoe were hung from the ceilings to ward off evil spirits in ancient Europe. The British Celts decorated their house with holly, mistletoe, and ivy to celebrate the winter solstice. The custom of using mistletoe for decoration of our homes at Christmas is a survival of this old custom.
Kissing under the mistletoe is one of the most widely known holiday traditions. Some trace this custom to the Greek who used mistletoe in the Saturnalia festival. Mistletoe also figures in a Scandinavian legend of Balder, god of Peace, who was slain with an arrow of mistletoe. He was restored to life, and mistletoe was then given into the keeping of the goddess of Love, and it was ordained that everyone who passed under it should receive a kiss, to show that the branch had become an emblem of love, and not of hate. Druids sent round their attendant youth with branches of the Mistletoe to announce the entrance of the new year. 1Mistletoe is also used medicinally to treat cancer and epilepsy. HOWEVER, it is considered by the FDA to be an unsafe plant and can be dangerous to the untrained user. There are at least 2 types of mistletoe...European and American. They are very different and neither should be used medicinally by the home herbalist.
Interesting. I guess we'll just have to sti k to using it the fun way! *giggles*
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Pumpkin Spice
by Rosalee de la ForetAs you might imagine, this pumpkin spice blend goes well in pumpkin pie. But don’t let the name of the spice limit its use. It can be used on top of ice cream, in eggnog, in oatmeal, in hot chocolate, in cookies and many more sweet treats.
4 parts cinnamon powder
2 parts ginger powder
1 part cloves powder
1/2 part nutmeg powderYum! Lots of good stuff in here!
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I'll start with one of the more fun plants of the season...MISTLETOE!
Kissing under the mistletoe is a tradition that has come down to us from the Druids, although altered somewhat as it came through the Christian era. Originally, it was an important part of handfasting. Because of its significance, all legal matters were sealed beneath its boughs. Hence, a couple who kissed beneath it were announcing their intent to be married.
Mistletoe was sacred to the ancient Druids, who gathered it from high branches of the sacred oaks with golden sickles. White cloths were spread beneath so that none of the mistletoe would touch the Earth. Mistletoe was also gathered at Midsummer, although at that time, it does not have berries and was probably used as amulets of protection, whereas mistletoe gathered at Yule bears white berries that make it an amulet of fertility. Mistletoe is evergreen and its rootlets are golden, symbolizing the Sun, and give it the title "the golden bough". Its white, translucent berries are thought to represent the semen of the Lord of the Forest.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant; growing in the tops of trees. It is very common here in WV where I live and this time of hear you can see huge clumps of it in the trees with no leaves. Trees look almost infested with it! Unfortunately in many areas it is becoming almost rare due to over harvesting. Many folks gather it clot well at flea markets and farmers markets. by Amethyst Samia
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Herbs and foods for the Yule and Christmas season are pretty much the same as those of Thanksgiving. Instead of me telling you anout these herbs, lets make this discussion a sharing discussion...y'all share with us what your favorite herbs or foods are and tell us why.
Many of the herbs have magical as well as healing and culinary properties. Share those with us if you like. And don't forget to share any favorite recipes you may have.
Some of the herbs I found when looking for herbs related to Yule include:
holly, mistletoe, pine cones, pine needles, oak leaves, Yule log ashes, fir, birch, hazel bark, sandalwood, ivy, comfrey, elder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, chamomile, sunflower, frankincense, myrrh, wintergreen, apple leaf, dried apple
This time of year is all about light and rebirth, renewal, growth. Witches have traditionally decorated their homes with these herbs and plants, beginning at the doorway and working inward into the home, thereby inviting the light to come in! What a great idea!
Share with us anything you would like about the herbs, foods, traditions or symbols of Yule!
It's a great time of year and a great opportunity to learn! by Amethyst Samia
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A Nordic Yule
'Twas the night before Yuletide in the Horde's hall
Not a person was stirring, not even a thrall.
The wineskins were hung on the mantle with care
In hope that great Odin soon would be there.The clansmen were snoring, passed out on the floor.
And I made to join them. I couldn't drink more.
I found a place quickly, my furs for a bed.
The mead I had drunk had gone to my head.Then came a noise from way out in back.
So loud that I swore, we were under attack!
I leapt from my furs, my sword clutched in hand,
And went to the window to survey the land.I looked into the night and muttered a curse,
Could it be Grendel or something much worse?
Then what to my eyes should the full moon reveal,
But an old fashioned sleigh drawn by a creature unreal.And a huge burly driver so fierce and forbodin',
I knew in a moment it was Allfather Odin.
He yelled at the creature with a snarl on his lips,
And after each word, gave a crack of his whip."Obey me now, Sleipner, for I am your master,
An eight-legged horse ought to run faster!?"
I ran from the window, so quick and so able
And sought a safe haven under the table.I heard the sleigh stop and Odin get out
And as he drew nearer, gave a great shout.
He kicked the door open, which then hung askew
And I shook when I saw him, what else could I do?He was dressed in his armor, so regal and fine
But I caught a strong odor of cheap women and wine.
His bundle of weapons he dropped where he stood,
All bright gleaming steel and dark polished wood.His face was like granite with a long flowing beard
His one eye glowing like an ember, or so it appeared.
I watched him quite closely alone with my fear
As he surveyed the hall with a glare and a sneer.He cursed and he muttered and seemed to grow madder
And I fought to keep some control of my bladder.
He lifted his foot and pulled a nail from beneath
Then seemed to grow calmer. I sighed with relief.He then went to work, his task to assail
And filled all the wineskins with mead and stout ale.
Then using his finger to scratch at his crotch
He strode from the hall as I silently watched.
He mounted his sleigh and his whip gave a crack
As Sleipner jumped forward, he laughed and leaned back.
He said as he rode, "Fight hard and die well.
And when that day comes, in Valhalla you'll dwell!"
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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
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