Other Names: Midwinter, Sun Return, Fionn's Day
Colors: Red, Green, White
Direction:
North (Earth)
Yule celebrates the re-birth of the God
from the Land of the Dead, as shown by the increase of the sun after this date
(winter solstice), although the sun's return is not celebrated until
Imbolg. Brought to the Celts by the Norse, Yule, in some traditions,
replaces Samhain as the start of the new year. Traditions include
dancing, feasting, mistletoe, tree decorating, wreath making (to symbolize the
cycle of life), and the exchanging of gifts. It is the time when the God
of the old year (the Holly King) fights a losing battle with the God of the new
year (the Oak king). In some circles, a re-enactment of this battle is
included as part of the celebrations.
Yule Lore
(December 21st)
Yule, (pronounced EWE-elle) is when the dark half of the
year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the
sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day.
Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, much celebration was
to be had as the ancestors awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King,
the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth and made her to bear forth from
seeds protected through the fall and winter in her womb. Bonfires were lit in
the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of
spiced cider.
Children were escorted from house to house with gifts of clove spiked apples
and oranges which were laid in baskets of evergreen boughs and wheat stalks
dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun, the boughs were
symbolic of immortality, the wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour
was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life. Holly, mistletoe, and ivy not
only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes. It was to extend
invitation to Nature Sprites to come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly
was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune
to pay visit to the residents.
The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the festival. In accordance to
tradition, the log must either have been harvested from the householder's land,
or given as a gift... it must never have been bought. Once dragged into the house
and placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with
cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze be a piece of last years
log, (held onto for just this purpose). The log would burn throughout the
night, then smolder for 12 days after before being ceremonially put out. Ash is
the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the
Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the
hearth at the Solstice.
A different type of Yule log, and perhaps one more suitable for modern
practitioners would be the type that is used as a base to hold three candles.
Find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright.
Drill three holes in the top side to hold red, green, and white (season),
green, gold, and black (the Sun God), or white, red, and black (the Great
Goddess). Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds,
cloves, and dust with flour.
Deities of Yule are all Newborn Gods, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, and Triple
Goddesses. The best known would be the Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of the
Dagda. Brighid taught the smiths the arts of fire tending and the secrets of
metal work. Brighid's flame, like the flame of the new light, pierces the
darkness of the spirit and mind, while the Dagda's cauldron assures that Nature
will always provide for all the children.
The following
information is from author: B.A. Robinson http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm
Please note
that the information presented here do not nessecarily represent the views of
myself however
it is very in
depth and has quite an interesting perspective
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ANCIENT EGYPT: The god-man/savior
Osiris died and was entombed on DEC-21. At midnight, the priests emerged from an inner shrine crying “The Virgin has brought forth! The light is waxing” and showing the image of a baby to the worshipers" |
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ANCIENT GREECE: The winter solstice ritual was called Lenaea, the Festival
of the Wild Women. In very ancient times, a man representing the harvest god
Dionysos was torn to pieces and eaten by a gang of women
on this day. Later in the ritual, Dionysos would be reborn as a baby. By classical times, the human sacrifice
had been replaced by the killing of a goat. The women's role had changed to that of funeral
mourners and observers of the birth. |
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ANCIENT ROME: Saturnalia began as a feast
day for Saturn on DEC-17 and of Ops (DEC-19). About 50 BCE,
both were later converted into two-day celebrations. During the Empire, the festivals were combined to cover a full
week: DEC-17 to 23. followed within the Roman Empire. Many, if not most, celebrated the birth of their god-man near the time of the solstice. Emperor Aurelian (270 to 275 CE) blended a number of Pagan solstice celebrations of the nativity of such god-men/saviours
as Appolo, Attis, Baal, Dionysus, Helios, Hercules, Horus, Mithra, Osiris,
Perseus, and Theseus into a single festival called the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun" on DEC-25. At the time, Mithraism and Christianity were fierce
competitors. Aurelian had even declared Mithraism the official religion of
the Roman Empire in 274 CE. Christianity won out by becoming the new official religion in
the 4th century CE. |
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ATHEISTS: There has been a recent increase in solstice observances by
Atheists in the U.S. For example, The American Atheists and local Atheist
groups have organized celebrations for 2000-DEC, including the Great North Texas Infidel Bash in
Weatherford TX; Winter Solstice bash in Roselle NJ; Winter Solstice Parties in York PA, Boise
ID, North Bethesda MD, and Des Moines IA; Winter Solstice Gatherings in Phoenix
AZ and Denver CO: a Year End Awards and Review Dinner (YEAR) in San
Francisco, CA. |
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BUDDHISM: On DEC-8, or on the Sunday immediately preceding, Buddhists
celebrate Bodhi Day (a.k.a. Rohatsu). It recalls the day in 596 BCE, when the Buddha achieved enlightenment. He had left
his family and possessions behind at the age of 29, and sought the meaning of
life -- particularly the reasons for its hardships. He studied under many
spiritual teachers without success. Finally, he sat under a pipal tree and
vowed that he would stay there until he found what he was seeking. On the
morning of the eighth day, he realized that everyone suffers due to
ignorance. But ignorance can be overcome through the Eightfold Path
that he advocated. This day is generally regarded as the birth day of
Buddhism. Being an Eastern tradition, Bodhi Day has none of the associations
with the solstice and the themes of death and birth that are seen in other
religions. |
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CHRISTIANITY: Any record of the date of birth of Yeshua Ben Nazareth (later
known as Jesus Christ) has been lost. There is sufficient evidence in the Gospels to indicate that
Yeshua was born in the fall,
but this seems to have been unknown to early Christians. By the beginning of
the 4th century CE, there was intense interest in choosing a day to celebrate
Yeshua's birthday. The western church leaders selected DEC-25 because this was
already the date recognized throughout the Roman Empire as the birthday of
various Pagan gods. Since there was no central Christian authority at the time, it took centuries before
the tradition was universally accepted: Eastern churches began to celebrate Christmas after 375 CE. The church in Jerusalem started in the 7th century. Ireland started in the 5th century Austria, England and Switzerland in the 8th Slavic lands in the 9th and 10th centuries. Many symbols and practices associated with Christmas are of
Pagan origin: holly, ivy, mistletoe, Yule log, the giving of gifts, decorated evergreen tree, magical reindeer, etc. Polydor Virgil, an early British Christian, said "Dancing, masques, mummeries, stage plays, and other
such Christmas disorders now in use with Christians, were derived from these
Roman Saturnalian and Bacchanalian festivals; which should cause all pious
Christians eternally to abominate them." In Massachusetts, Puritans unsuccessfully tried to ban
Christmas entirely during the 17th century, because of its heathenism. The English Parliament abolished Christmas in 1647. Some contemporary Christian faith groups do not celebrate
Christmas. Included among these were the Worldwide Church of God (before its recent
conversion to Evangelical Christianity) and the Jehovah's
Witnesses. |
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DRUIDISM: Druids and Druidesses formed the professional class in ancient Celtic society. They performed the functions of modern day priests, teachers,
ambassadors, astronomers, genealogists, philosophers, musicians, theologians,
scientists, poets and judges. Druids led all public rituals, which were
normally held within fenced groves of sacred trees. The solstice is the time
of the death of the old sun and the birth of the dark-half of the year. The ancient Druids called it “Alban Arthuan”. “ It is the end of month of the Elder Tree and the start of
the month of the Birch. The three days before Yule is a magical time. This is
the time of the Serpent Days or transformation...The Elder and Birch stand at
the entrance to Annwn or Celtic underworld where all life was formed. Like
several other myths they guard the entrance to the underworld. This is the
time the Sun God journey's thru the underworld to learn the secrets of death
and life. And bring out those souls to be reincarnated." A modern-day Druid, Amergin Aryson, has composed a Druidic
ritual for the Winter Solstice. |
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INCA RELIGION: The ancient Incas celebrated a festival if Inti Raymi at the
time of the Winter Solstice. It celebrates "the Festival of the Sun where the god
of the Sun, Wiracocha, is honoured." The Roman Catholic conquistadors banned Ceremonies in the 16th
century as part of their forced conversions of the Inca people to
Christianity. A local group of Quecia Indians in Cusco, Peru revived the
festival about 1950. It is now a major festival that begins in Cusco and
proceeds to an ancient amphitheatre a few miles away. |
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ISLAM: During the period 1997 to 1999, the first day of the Islamic
lunar month of Ramadan occurred in December. The nominal dates were 1997-DEC-31, 1998-DEC-20 and
1999-DEC-9. The actual date for the start of Ramadan depends upon the sighting
of the crescent moon, and thus can be delayed by a few days from the nominal
date. This is the holiest period in the Islamic year. It honours the lunar
month in which God revealed the Qura’n to humanity. "It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast
of Ramadan. Lasting for the entire month, Muslims fast during the daylight
hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit with friends and family.
It is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and
community ties." Because Ramadan is part of a lunar-based calendar, it starts
about 11 days earlier each year. In the year 2000, the nominal date will be
NOV-27. Ramadan is thus not associated with the winter solstice as are other religious
celebrations. It is just by coincidence that it has occurred during December
in recent years. |
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JUDAISM: Jews celebrate an 8 day festival of Hanukkah, (a.k.a. Feast of Lights, Festival
of lights, Feast of Dedication, Chanukah, Chanukkah, Hanukah). It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of
religious freedom. Antiochus, the king of Syria, conquered Judea in the 2nd
century BCE. He terminated worship in the Temple and stole the sacred lamp,
the menorah, from before the altar. At the time of the solstice, they
rededicated the Temple to a Pagan deity.Judah the
Maccabee lead a band of rebels, and succeeding in retaking Jerusalem.They restored the temple
and lit the menorah. It was exactly three years after the flame had been extinguished
–at the time of the Pagan rite. the flames burned steadily for eight days. "Today's menorahs have nine branches; the ninth branch
is for the shamash, or servant light, which is used to light the other eight
candles. People eat potato latkes, exchange gifts, and play dreidel games.
And as they gaze at the light of the menorah, they give thanks for the
miracle in the Temple long ago." |
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NATIVE AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY: The Pueblo tribe observe
both the summer and winter solstices. Although the specific
details of the rituals differ from pueblo to pueblo, "The rites are built around the sun, the coming new
year and the rebirth of vegetation in the spring.... Winter solstice rites include...prayer stick making, retreats,
altars, emesis and prayers for increase." The Hopi tribe "is
dedicated to giving aid and direction to the sun which is ready to 'return'
and give strength to budding life." Their ceremony is called "Soyal."
It lasts for 20 days and includes "prayer stick making, purification,
rituals and a concluding rabbit hunt, feast and blessing..." There are countless stone
structures created by Natives in the past to detect the solstices and
equinoxes. Its modern-day finder called one Calendar One. It is in a natural
amphitheatre of about 20 acres in size in Vermont. From a stone enclosure in
the center of the bowl, one can see a number of vertical rocks and natural
features in the horizon, which formed the edge of the bowl. At the solstices
and equinoxes, the sun rises and sets at notches or peaks in the ridge which
surrounded the calendar. |
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NEOPAGANISM: This is a group of religions, which are attempted re-creations
of ancient Pagan religions. Of these, Wicca is
the most common; it is loosely based on ancient Celtic beliefs and practices.
Wiccans recognize eight seasonal days of celebration. Four are minor sabbats
and occur at the two solstices and the two equinoxes. The others are major
sabbats, which happen approximately halfway between an equinox and solstice.
The winter solstice sabbat is often called Yule. It is a time for
introspection, and planning for the future. Wiccans may celebrate the Sabbat
on the evening before the time of the actual solstice, at sunrise on the
morning of the solstice, or at the exact time of the astronomical event. |
Dates and times of
theWinter Solstice
The exact date
varies from year to year and
may occur between
the 20th and 23rd of December.
Year
|
Winter solstice (UT) |
The dates and times from 1999 to 2003 are as
accurate as the astronomical calculations on The Dome of the Sky web
site. The dates and times from 2004 to 2009 were
taken from Eric Weisstein's Treasure Trove of Astronomy. The latter
are based on the Scientific Astronomer computer program, which
typically gives times that differ up to 15 minutes from the calculations of
the U.S. Naval Observatory. Times are in UT (Universal Time).
This used to be called Greenwich Mean Time or GMT. In North America, you can
find your local time by subtracting: 3 hours 30 minutes for Newfoundland time 4 hours for ATL 5 hours for EST 6 hours for CST 7 hours for MST 8 hours for PST 9 hours for ALA 10 hours for HAW |
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1999 |
DEC-22 @ 07:44 |
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2000 |
DEC-21 @ 13:37 |
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2001 |
DEC-21 @ 19:21 |
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2002 |
DEC-22 @ 01:14 |
|
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2003 |
DEC-22 @ 07:03 |
|
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2004 |
DEC-21 @ 12:41 |
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2005 |
DEC-21 @ 18:30 |
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2006 |
DEC-22 @ 00:20 |
|
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2007 |
DEC-22 @ 06:09 |
|
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2008 |
DEC-21 @ 11:59 |
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2009 |
DEC-21 @ 17:49 |
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The winter solstice for 1999 was rather
special. It involved the coincidence of the solstice, full moon and lunar
perigee on the same date. (The moon's orbit around the earth is not circular;
it is elliptical. "Perigee" simply means the point in the moon's
orbit where it is closest to earth.) At this solstice, the moon was both full
and at its maximum size (about 14% larger that at its minimum size). The last
time that this happened was in 1866. The following full moon on
2000-JAN-21 was also unusual - it was eclipsed. |
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(click here for references used in the
above material)
(end of info from B.A.
Robinson http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm)
The ancients
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Not so many people are familiar with Newgrange, a beautiful megalithic site in Ireland. This huge circular stone structure is estimated to be 5,000 years old, older by centuries than Stonehenge, older than the Egyptian pyramids! It was built to receive a shaft of sunlight deep into its central chamber at dawn on winter solstice. |
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The light illuminates
a stone basin below intricate carvings -- spirals, eye shapes, and solar
discs. Although not much is known about how Newgrange was used by its builders,
marking the solstice was obviously of tremendous spiritual import to them. |
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Maeshowe, on the Orkney Islands
north of Scotland, shares a similar trait,
admitting the winter solstice setting sun. It is hailed as "one of the
greatest architectural achievements of the prehistoric peoples of
Scotland." |
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Hundreds of other megalithic structures throughout Europe are
oriented to the solstices and the equinoxes. Likewise, sacred sites in the
Americas, Asia, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Even cultures that followed a
moon-based calendar seemed also to understand the importance of these
sun-facing seasonal turning points. A linguistic puzzle.
The rebirth of the sun. Christmas was transplanted onto winter solstice some 1,600
years ago, centuries before the English language emerged from its
Germanic roots. Is that why we came to express these two ideas in words that
sound so similar? information taken from: http://www.candlegrove.com/solstice.html |
Symbolism of Yule:
Rebirth
of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect,
Planning for the Future.
Symbols of Yule:
Yule
log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly,
mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded
fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, christmas cactus.
Herbs of Yule:
Bayberry,
blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine,
sage, yellow cedar.
Foods of Yule:
Cookies
and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey, eggnog,
ginger tea,
spiced cider, wassail,
or lamb's wool (ale, sugar, nutmeg, roasted apples).
Incense of Yule:
Pine,
cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.
Colors of Yule:
Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.
Stones of Yule:
Rubies,
bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.
Activities of Yule:
Caroling,
wassailing the trees, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree,
exchanging of presents,
kissing under
the mistletoe, honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule
Spellworkings of Yule:
Peace,
harmony, love, and increased happiness.
Deities of Yule:
Goddesses-Brighid,
Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh,
The Oak King,
The Horned One, The Green Man, The Divine Child, Mabon.
--Adapted by Akasha
Ap Emrys For all her friends and those of like mind--
Copyright
© 1997-99 Akasha, Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights
reserved.
Winter Solstice Ritual
Tools:
In
addition to your usual majikal tools, you will need:
A Green Altar
Cloth
A Cauldron
w/Lid or Cover Plate
Holly Sprig
Wreath
Mistletoe
Sprig Wreath
12 Low
Vibration Stones (flat oval river rock work well)
1 Black Votive
Candle, 1 Green 12" Taper Candle, 1 White 12" Taper Candle, 1 Gold
(12hr) Pillar Candle
Pine Incense
Bowl of Water
w/ Pine Sprig in it
Plate of Sand
Athame
Other Personal
Items of choice
Preparation:
This
ritual should be performed right after sunset.
About an hour
before, sweep area moving in a deosil manner.
Yule symbols
such as Poinsettias, Pine Cones, and even a decorated Yule Log nearby (if too
big for altar) adds to the ambiance.
Place the
proper candles and symbols at the four cardinal directions.
Place the gold
God pillar candle at right top of altar.
Place the
white Goddess taper candle at the top left.
Place your
Pentacle (or a plate with a Pentagram drawn on it) in the center of the altar.
Place your
Cauldron to the right of the altar, with the black votive candle, Holly sprig
wreath around it, inside.
Cover cauldron
with lid or cover plate.
Place the
green taper candle and mistletoe wreath where they will be behind you at the
beginning of the ritual.
Outline your
circle perimeter with 11 of the low vibration stones (save 12th to close circle
when you enter.
Place the rest
of your tools and props according to personal preference.
Take a shower
or bath for purity.
Sit quietly
for a period to ground and center.
When ready put
on some soothing music associated with the Sabbat and your ritual.
Enter the
standing stone circle and close with 12th stone.
Cast
circle by envisioning flames of Yule colors red, green, and gold coming up
between the stones.
When all
become a continuous line, step up to the altar and begin:
"From the darkness is born the light, From void,
fulfillment emerges...
The
darkest night of the year's at the threshold, Open now the door, and honor the
darkness."
Take the
lid/plate off the cauldron and light the black votive candle inside.
Step back from
the cauldron and give silent honor to the Holly King, the ruler of the dark
half of the year.
Call quarters,
start by lighting yellow candle in the East:
"Powers
of Air, step forth from the darkness, Enter my circle , as dark gives 'way to
light.
Bring
along with you the essence of pine trees, Remind me of Springtime As I face
Solstice Night."
Light
the pine incense and place on Pentacle/Center Plate.
Light the red
candle in the South:
"Powers of Fire, step forth from the darkness, Enter
my circle, as dark gives 'way to light,
Bring
along with you the first glint of tomorrow, Remind me of Summer As I face
Solstice Night."
Pick
up the Athame and brandish it in the flame of the candle to reflect the light.
Place on the
Pentacle/Center Plate. Light the blue candle in the West:
"Powers of Water, step forth from the darkness, Enter
my circle, as dark gives 'way to light,
Bring
along with you bittersweet memories Remind me of Autumn As I face Solstice
Night."
Pick
up the bowl of water, sprinkle water with pine sprig in Pentacle/Center Plate.
Light brown
candle in the North:
"Powers of Earth, step forth from the darkness, Enter
my circle, as dark gives 'way to light,
Bring
along with you the land that now slumbers, Remind me of Winter And this cold
Solstice Night."
Pick
up the plate of sand, sprinkle sand in a line around the other symbols.
Step back from
the altar for a moment and contemplate the seasons of the past year,
and how their
lessons have brought you to where you are today.
When ready,
begin again:
"Dark my surroundings, and cold be this night But Thy
labor,
Blessed
Mother Has reborn the Sacred Light...
The
Child Divine, The most honored Sun Shall return with the sunrise Again,
Two will be One."
Remove
the Holly wreath from around the black votive candle.
With your right
hand, present it to the four elements in a deosil manner.
Finally, in a
clockwise motion, place it behind you, to signify the death,
"passing", of the Holly King.
Turn back to
the altar. Then with your left hand, reach behind you, and in a clockwise motion
bring forward
the Mistletoe wreath and the green candle. Present them to the elements,
slide the
wreath over the green candle and place the candle in its holder in the
cauldron.
Light the
green candle with the black votive candle:
"Hark! Behold the Rebirth of the King of the
Woodlands!
Behold
the Oak King, strong and vital he rises!"
Snuff the
black votive candle and with your right hand, place it behind you in a
clockwise motion.
Turn back to
the cauldron, close your eyes,
and silently
honor the Oak King. Begin again:
"Awake
now Thy Mother, Thy Lover, Thy Lady - Awake now Thy Goddess of Life, Death,
Rebirth."
Take
the green candle out of the cauldron and light the white Goddess candle on the
altar.
Replace the
green candle in the cauldron.
Take the white
Goddess candle with both hands and hold out at arm's length over the cauldron:
"Awaken, my Lady, look upon Thyne Divine Child, His
rebirth while You slumbered
Was
subtle and silent. The Stag King, the Green Man, Lord of Fertility,
He
awaits Thy wakening Gentle and benevolent"
Place
the white Goddess candle back in its holder at the left top of altar.
Step back and
assume the Goddess position.
In a bold
voice:
"All hail the Oak King, His rebirth; a promise All
hail the Divine Child,
Giver
of Life All hail the Blessed Sun, reborn to the Mother
For
he retakes His throne at the end of Solstice Night!"
Now
is the time for meditation and any spellworkings.
Spellworkings
associated with Yule include those for peace, harmony, love, and happiness.
Next celebrate
with the Cakes and Ale (Fruitcake* and Spiced Cider *) ceremony, saving some
for the wee Folkes, outside.
Thank the
Goddess and snuff Her candle.
Thank and
release the elements:
"Carry sweet tidings, 'round the world and beyond, I
charge thee as messengers
Earth,
Water, Fire, and Air Let all rejoice loudly in the Oak King's return
Teach
all that you meet, with the glad tidings you bear."
Snuff
each Quarter candle in a widdershins manner.
Step back and
face the cauldron and the green candle still burning bright.
"Before my circle, tonight, I close Blessings I ask
for this house and my kin
Tomorrow
at daybreak, when I arise A special flame I will carry, within...
And
a gold candle upon my altar I'll light Adding my will to the Sun King's intent
To
climb aloft in the vaulted skies And for strength back to me;
three
times, strength I've sent."
Snuff
the green candle.
Take the
Mistletoe wreath and place it on the other symbols on the Pentacle/Center
Plate.
Release the
circle.
Clean up,
leaving the gold God pillar candle in center front to light upon rising in the
morning.
You are done.
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys to share with all her
friends and those of like mind--
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha,
Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved
Yule
Celebration, Children Activities
Yule is a Sabbat to welcome back the Sun
King. The sun is vital to all that exist on Earth.
It is the giver of light and warmth, and causes the
rebirth of this past years crops by warming and
gently coaxing the seeds that have been sleeping
underground during the winter.
Traditional methods of celebrating this Sabbat are mostly
inside activities.
Yule Log Hike
Materials: Warm Clothes, Sense of Adventure.
This is an activity that can be done the weekend before Yule.
On a bright crisp morning, dress the family warmly and
head for the park, mountains, or beach.
As you hike along, looking for that special Yule log to
place in your hearth,
also be looking for decorations to make it personalized
by each member of the family.
Select a
proportionally sized log that will fit easily into your fireplace.
Ash, oak, or cedar makes great Yule logs. Try to find one
that has already fallen and is on the ground.
On the beach, driftwood can be found and obtained for
your log.
As you are looking, or on your way back home look for
natural decorations to adorn your Yule log with.
Traditional
adornments are, pine cones, leaves, holly sprigs, mistletoe sprigs,
rosebuds, winter
flowers, wheat stalks, and corn husks.
If you must cut anything from a living plant, remember to
ask and thank the plant for its gift.
If you don't have a fireplace, select a smaller log,
slightly flat on one side so that it doesn't roll.
Adorning the logs will appear farther along in the
activities.
(Explain how the
Yule log was set ablaze on Solstice night to help vanquish the dark and add
strength to the returning sun.)
Sun Welcoming
Center Pieces:
Materials:
Flat or bowled wicker basket, Evergreen Boughs, Oranges and Apples, Whole
Cloves,
Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Wheat Stalks, Flour, Red, Green, and
Gold Bows or String.
Children of all ages will delight in both making and giving these delightful
center pieces.
Place the basket
in the center of the table. Lay a couple of evergreen boughs
(can be found at most
Christmas tree lots) in bottom of basket so that the tips flow out from all
sides.
Spike the oranges all the way around with several whole
cloves.
Arrange the oranges and apples on top of the boughs.
Arrange in a couple of the walnuts and hazel nuts.
Place a couple of
the wheat stalks standing up amidst the fruit.
Lightly dust with
flour. Tie bows to the handle and outside the basket.
Tell children about each special part of the centerpiece.
Explain that the baskets were used during the harvests
during the season before.
The evergreen
boughs are symbols of immortality, reminding us that the Sun King is not dead,
but reappears at
Yule each year to lengthen, brighten and warm the days ahead.
The oranges and apples are symbols of the Sun King,
The nuts
symbolize the seeds as they lay sleeping and awaiting the Sun King's return.
The wheat stalks
symbolize the yearly harvests and the flour represents the triumph of the
forces of light and life.
Sun
Bursting Ornaments
Materials:
Ruler or Compass, Scissors, Thin Cardboard,
Gold Foil Paper, Glue Stick, Heavy Thread and Needle.
Help child cut out a 4" cardboard circle.
With this template, the child can then trace and cut out
14 circles from the foil paper.
One by one, fold a circle in half, half, and half again.
Unfold the circle and cut along the fold lines, stopping
about 1/2 inch from the center.
Repeat until all the circles are cut.
Form the points of the Sun Burst by wrapping each of the
eight segments around the point of a sharpened pencil.
Point of pencil should face away from the center of the
circle.
Secure each point with a dab of glue.
Thread a needle with 18" length of thread.
Insert the needle through all the centers of the circles from
the foil side of the first seven and the plain side of the last seven.
Gently pull the circles together, bunching them into a
ball.
Tie off with a knot, and use the excess thread to form a
loop for hanging the ornament.
(Hang up in windows to reflect the sunlight or on tree
for decoration,
explain to children how the sun gets stronger, climbs
higher, and last longer in the sky each day starting at Yule.)
Welcome Sunshine Bells
Materials:
Thin Cardboard, Pencil and Scissors,
One Light yellow and One Bright Yellow Felt Square
(10"x10"),
7 Small Jingle Bells, 12" Gold String or Cord, White
Glue, Buttons, Glitter, Sequins.
Help child to draw a circle 7" in diameter, and another circle 7" in
diameter with eight 1" triangle rays on the cardboard.
Cut out for patterns. Place circle on the light yellow
felt square, trace and cut out.
Do the same with the "rayed" circle on the
bright yellow felt.
Using a drinking glass as a guide, trace a circle in the
center, on the backside of both felt cut-outs.
Carefully fold each circle in half, and make a cut from
one side of center circle to the other.
Repeat 3 times for a total of 4 cuts per piece.
This is how you will get the decoration over the
doorknob.
Next, line up the circles and the cuts so that the rays
extend 1" from behind the light yellow felt circle.
Glue together. Allow the child to draw designs on the
front of the ornament with glue.
Sprinkle with glitter and glue on some sequins and
buttons. Cut gold string or cord into three 4" strands.
Tie jingle bells (spaced) onto the gold string or cord.
Glue string/cord to the bottom of the Sun decoration on the backside.
Allow to dry. Place on a doorknob that the bells will
jingle as the door is opened and closed.
(Tell children that more than just the sun brightens our
lives everyday.
Explain the way to welcome the Yule sun back into their
lives is to keep the brightness in their hearts all year long.
Jingle bells make a warm and inviting sound, and
therefore should jingle each time someone enters or leaves a room.)
You
Are My Sunshine Garland
Materials:
Pencil, Scissors, "Rayed" Circle Pattern (above), Bright Yellow
Poster Paper,
Glue, Glitter,
Gold Garland, Gold Thread and Needle, Photos.
For each frame, trace and cut out 2 rayed circles from the poster board.
Cut a 2" circle in the center of one of the cutouts.
This will be the front of the frame. Decorate the cutouts
with gold glitter.
Place photo between the cutouts, with the face peering
through the center circle.
Trim photo to fit frame, if necessary. Glue the frame
together. Allow to dry.
Thread needle with gold thread, and poke needle through
the top ray of the frame.
Pull some thread through and tie frame to gold garland.
Make enough Sunshine picture frames for all family members,
including pets.
Tie each to the garland, and place garland on tree, over
a door, on the wall, or other prominent place.
(Explain to children that each family member is like a
piece of sunshine.
Smiles and laughter brighten our spirits and warm our hearts.)
Cup
O' Sunshine
Materials:
Terra-Cotta Pot, Paints and Paintbrushes, Styrofoam Block, String, Scissors,
1 yd 2" wide Green Ribbon, Yellow, Red, and Orange
Lollipops and Sugar Sticks, Jelly Beans.
Clean the terra-cotta pot if necessary. Allow to dry.
Paint outside and down to first lip of inside with a
bright solid color.
After this base coat dries, decorate with other colors.
When completely dry, place a block of styrofoam in the
bottom of the pot.
Cut green leaves out of the ribbon and tie to lollipops
with string.
Push the lollipop sticks into the styrofoam block to
anchor them.
Add the sugar sticks and fill rest of pot with loose
jellybeans.
(Explain to children that during the dark part of the
year, sometimes we need to make our own sunshine.
Let them know that bright colored gardens and flowers
will be back in the spring,
and this little pot of sunshine will cheer up a sick
friend or relative.)
Dough
Art Decorations
Materials:
4 cups flour, 2 cups water, 1 cup salt, Cookie Cutters, Wire Ornament Hangers,
Acrylic Paints.
Combine flour, salt, and water in a large bowl. Dough should kneed easily but
not be sticky, if so, add more flour.
On a flat surface, lay down some waxed paper. Take a handful
of the dough and roll out with a rolling pin.
Cut dough into shapes with the cookie cutters. Make a
hole in top of "cookie" for wire hanger.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet and put in oven at 400
degrees for 8-10 minutes or until *slightly* brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool thoroughly. Paint with
acrylic paints.
Allow to dry, place hanger in hole and adorn tree,
packages, or hang in windows.
(Allow children to make-up Yule stories to go along with
each decoration they are making.)
Adorning
the Yule Log
Materials:
Holly, Mistletoe, Rosebuds, Pine Cones, Evergreen Sprigs, Gold String/Cord,
Gold Bows, Apple Cider, Flour.
After cleaning off the Yule log, let the children decorate it however they
chose.
Glue, wire, or small holes in the log will help to adhere
the decorations.
Once the log is decorated, "wassail" (toast and
douse) it with a libation of apple cider.
Finally, dust the log with white flour, set in grate in
fireplace, and (parents only) set ablaze.
(Explain to children how Yule logs used to smolder for 12
days before there was
another ceremony to put the log out. Then apart of the
log was strapped to the plow
the next spring to spread the blessings over the land,
and another piece was saved to light the next Yule's log,
the next year.)
Sunny
Disposition Wreath (For the older kids)
Materials:
1-2 Large Bundles Evergreen Boughs, 1 Bundle Holly, 1 Wreath Frame (Wire or
Styrofoam),
Garden Clippers, Spool of Fine Green Wire, 2 Yards Red
Ribbon, Adornments.
Cut boughs into 6" to 8" pieces. Same with Holly. Cut about 20-
15" pieces of the wire.
Gather a bundle of boughs together, thicker at the back
and fanning out in the front.
Wrap wire around the bundle about 2/3 from the top.
Hold bundle in place and wrap wire around the bundle and
the frame.
Repeat this step, only adding a sprig of holly in front.
Repeat steps 1 and 2, adding holly to bundle every other
time.
Make sure that all the bundles face the same direction.
Where the last bundle meets the bottom of the first
bundle is usually barer than the rest of the wreath,
so that is where you can attach a large yellow, orange,
red, or gold bow to symbolize the Sun King.
Now you are ready to wire on all sorts of adornments,
candies, pinecones, rosebuds, seashells,
small bells, or anything to make it more personal.
(Tell kids about how evergreen boughs and holly were hung
both inside and outside of the homes
to extend and invitation to the nature sprites to join in
the Yule celebration.)
|
Yule Chant |
Solstice Blessing |
|
Brightly burns the Yule log tonight |
On this night so long, My Lady |
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys to share with
all her friends and those of like mind--
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha,
Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved.
Yule Celebration
Teen Recipes
Morning Julegroed
4 cups milk
A couple of almonds, finely chopped
1 rounded teaspoon of butter/margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup washed white rice
A pinch of cinnamon powder
1/2 cup thick cream
In a large saucepan, heat the milk until boiling. Add butter/margarine, then
add the rice and turn down the heat. Cover with lid, and let rice simmer slowly
for about one hour or until the milk is absorbed. Transfer to a non-metal bowl
and fold in the cream and almonds. Serve in small bowls with sugar and cinnamon
sprinkled on top.
Sun Up Egg Squares
1 pound pork sausage, cooked & drained
1 1/4 cups bisquick
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
12 eggs
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup milk
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon each; pepper, oregano
Layer the sausage, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheese in a well greased
13"x9"x2" baking dish. Beat together the remaining ingredients
in a non-metal bowl and pour over sausage mixture. Bake, covered, in a 350
degree oven until golden brown and set (about 30 minutes). Cut into 12 3-inch
squares. Serves 12, can be halved.
Shortest Day Ham Loaf
1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
1 pound ground ham
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
Mix all ingredients above and shape into 2 individual loaves. In a saucepan
combine:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1/2 cup water
Bring sauce to a boil, pour over the loaves, place loaves in a 350 degree oven
and bake for 1 hour, basting regularly. Makes 10-12 servings.
Yuletide Slaw
4 cups red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, corse ground
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons parsley
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Combine and toss the vegetables together. Mix salt, pepper, salad oil, lemon
juice, sugar and parsley and pour over the vegetable mixture. Refrigerate for 1
hour, Toss briskly before serving. Makes 8 servings.
Festive Ham Balls
3 cups bisquick
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
10 1/2 cups smoked ham
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2/3 teaspoon milk
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Lightly grease a 15 1/2" x 10 1/2" baking pan. Mix all above
ingredients in a non-metal bowl. Shape mixture into 1" balls. Place the
balls about 2" apart in the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, or
until brown. Remove from pan and serve immediately. Makes 16 servings.
Brighter Day Cheese Ball
3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon red hot pepper sauce
1 pkg. (8-oz) Neufchatel cream cheese
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
3 green onions w/tops, finely chopped
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup minced parsley
Preheat the oven to 350. Spread out chopped pecans on a cookie sheet. Bake for
8 minutes or until toasted, tossing once. In a small non-metal bowl, mix the
cream cheese, onions, mustard, red pepper sauce, and garlic with mixer at a
medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar cheese. Wrap in plastic wrap
and shape into approx. 4" ball, refrigerate for 15 minutes. After, on a
sheet of waxed paper, toss the pecans and parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball and
carefully roll it around in the mixture, covering it completely. Rewrap the
cheese ball and place in refrigerator until time to serve. Serve with crackers
or fresh vegetables. Makes 24 servings.
Hot Spiced Wassail (non-alcoholic)
4 cups cranberry juice
6 cinnamon sticks
5 cups apple cider
1 orange, studded with whole cloves
1 cup water
1 apple, cored and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
Mix juice, cider, and water in large saucepan or crock pot. Add cinnamon
sticks, clove studded orange, and apple slices. Simmer mixture for 4 hours.
Serve hot. Makes 12 servings.
Solstice Surprise Salad
1 large unpeeled cucumber
1 15 1/2 ounce can whole chestnuts
4 ounces cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons French dressing
Wash and dry cucumber. Cut into quarters, lengthwise, then thinly slice into a non-metal
bowl. Grate cheddar cheese and add to cucumber. Break up the chestnuts into
fairly large pieces and add. Toss well to mix, adding the French dressing.
Chill for one hour before serving. Makes 6 servings.
Roasted Lamb Feast For A (Sun) King
1-3 pound shank leg of lamb
2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1/8 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed
8 cloves garlic
6 parsnips, cut into 1" pieces
2 large sprigs fresh rosemary
1 lemon, sliced
With a sharp knife, trim all fat and cartilage from the lamb. Season with the
salt and pepper. Make 1" deep slits all over the leg of lamb. Use most of
the garlic and all of the rosemary by pushing 1/2 garlic cloves and a few
rosemary leaves into each slit. In a large roasting pan, combine oil with the
sweet potatoes, the parsnips (turnips may be substituted), and the rest of the
garlic. Move the vegetables to the side of the pan, and place the leg of lamb
in the center. Move the vegetables around the lamb, surrounding it. Roast the lamb
and vegetables for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Turn the vegetables occasionally so that
they cook evenly. Remove from the oven, and with a slotted spoon, transfer the
vegetables to a serving dish. Keep warm. Place the lamb on a carving platter
and cover with foil. Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes. Slice the roasted lamb
and serve with warm vegetables. Makes 6 servings.
The Best For Last Bars
1/4 pound butter
10 ounce raspberry chocolate chips
12 ounce can evaporated milk
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
3 1/2 cups sugar
7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
1 heaping tablespoon of instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla
In heavy saucepan or double boiler melt the butter. Add evaporated milk, sugar,
and coffee. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and
add raspberry chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate. Stir the mixture until
all ingredients are melted. Add the marshmallow creme and stir until well
blended. Stir in the vanilla. Pour into a slightly greased 9" x13"
pan. Refrigerate. Cut into bite-sized bars when cooled. Makes 12 servings.
--Adapted by Akasha Ap Emrys For all her friends and
those of like mind--
Copyright © 1997-99 Akasha,
Herne and The Celtic Connection wicca.com. All rights reserved