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The Yule Log--
a fragrant centerpiece for your
home full of meaning!
We tend to take for granted that our homes will be warm and bright
during winter holidays. But in earlier days, providing for the harsh
winter was quite a task. Life-or-death rituals revolved around the
supply of firewood. The harvest had to be preserved and kept safe
from cold, dampness and rodents. Even the seed for next year was
treated with loving respect and referred to as “grandmother.” Out of
this preparation for winter arose the symbolic YULE LOG ceremonies,
a petition to God that the home would stay warm and safe.
Today’s Yule Log is a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece for your
family to gather around. Our Yule Log contains at least one candle,
greenery, fragrant herbs and beautiful dried botanicals all with
special meanings. Place it on the dining table, sideboard or on the
hearth.
The log that you start with can be any size. For a table centerpiece
12 Inches is long enough. Cut the log larger for a hearth or to fit
inside a fireplace. I made a 3-foot Yule log for the hearth of the
Arms Museum one year and incorporated votive lights scattered across
it. If you can find birch, the white bark is stunning.
The meanings of some of the botanicals that adorn the log:
Boxwood: Symbol of immortality because it stays green all year.
Junipers and Cedars: also evergreen, called trees of sanctuary and
protection.
Sage: Added for health and long life.
Lavender: Brings luck and symbolizes of the purity of the Christ
Child. Said to have scented baby Jesus’ garments.
Wheat: For prosperity in the New Year.
Dried Fruit: Symbolize hospitality.
Spices such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and nutmeg
bring fragrance and levity.
Enjoy your Yule Log throughout the days preceding Christmas, then on
Christmas Eve, choose a family member to light the Yule Log to bring
forth light, warmth and fragrance into the New Year.
We are having a class where you can make your own Yule Log on
Saturday, Dec. 1st, 9-10:30 AM. Call Salt Box Gallery for more
details. You can also order a Yule Log already made for your home or
to give as a special and meaningful gift. Don’t forget to visit us
during our Herbal Holiday Open House 4 fragrant weekends beginning
November 17 and 18.
Hope to see you at Salt Box
Gallery!
Let me know how you like the website, drop me an
e-mail entitled "Regarding
website."
Happy Herbal Harvesting.
Marian
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