What was a yule log?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
December 27, 2002
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
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Killer Picks: Wollemi Pine, greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century—>Click here.
Kashmiri Floral Wool Jacket, Pearl and Garnet Earrings, Tapestry Suede Tote—>Click here.
Men's Alpaca Sweater, National Geographic Bolivian Leather Travel Briefcase—>Click here.
The Teutonic peoples inhabited the northern climes surrounding the Baltic and North Seas. In Anglo-Saxon, the month of December was called se ærra geóla; January was se æftera geóla. Geól, gehhol, and gehhel refer to that day when the sun shone weakest and lowest in the sky, the winter-solstice. Related to the Anglo-Saxon geól and probably derived from, were the Icelandic jöl, Danish and German jul, and Gothic jiuleis. Linguistic conjecture links geól with hweól 'wheel' and the 'wheeling' or turning of the sun.
When the Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain, they introduced Teutonic customs—winter-solstice became known as yol or yole and eventually yule in English.
In 1879, R. Chambers wrote of these traditions, "The burning of the Yule log is an ancient Christmas ceremony, transmitted to us from our Scandinavian ancestors, who, at their feast of Juul, at the winter-solstice, used to kindle huge bonfires in honour of their god Thor. The custom, though sadly shorn of the 'pomp and circumstance' which formerly attended it, is still maintained in various parts of the country. The bringing in and placing of the ponderous block on the hearth of the wide chimney in the baronial hall was the most joyous of the ceremonies observed on Christmas eve in feudal times."
Although people no longer believed in Thor, certain superstitions carried over into Christmas customs. Chambers continued with the care of the yule log: "...the practice of laying aside the half-consumed block after having served its purpose on Christmas eve, preserving it carefully in a cellar or other secure place till the next anniversary of Christmas and then lighting the new log with the charred remains of its predecessor. The due observance of this custom was considered of the highest importance and it was believed that the preservation of last year's Christmas log was a most effectual security to the house against fire." (Chambers's Book of Days, A Miscellany of Popular Antiquities, 1879, J.B. Lippincott and Co.)
Northvegr is dedicated to the literature of Northern European peoples. To learn more about the sagas, folklore, chronicles, and history of Northern Europe, click on the link:
http://www.northvegr.org/lore/main.php
Internal links go to various works of literature. The Eddas are where J.R.R. Tolkien got his ideas (and the names of the dwarves) for the Lord of the Rings.
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) Plant of the Week - December 24, 2001
How did holly become a Christmas tradition? Herbal Folklore - December 23, 2002
What was a yule log? What's in a Name? - December 27, 2002
What was wassailing? Herbal Folklore - December 22, 2003
What was the Old Snap Dragon? Renfield's Garden - December 24, 2003
Killer Savings Links: Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
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Kashmiri Floral Wool Jacket
National Geographic®
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Centuries ago, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic cultures met and mingled in Kashmir as artisans from Central Asia and Iran settled in the area. One of the many exquisite arts for which this area is known is the intricate chain stitch called ari, which served as the inspiration for our timeless 100% merino wool jacket.
Rich red and spice-hued flowers on a canvas of black wool are typical of the elegant coverlets and scarves that have been embroidered in Kashmir for centuries.
The flattering fit includes a mandarin collar, embroidered buttons, side pockets, and side slits. Lined. Dry clean. Made in India.
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Woman's sizes S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12-14), XL (16-18).
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Indian Pearl and Garnet Earrings
National Geographic®
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Often featured in traditional Mughal-era miniature paintings, circular silver earrings have been popular throughout northern India for centuries. Designs featuring forward-facing hoops were especially favored by Rajasthani aristocracy from the 17th through the 19th century.
Reminiscent of the tail of the Indian national bird, the peacock, these traditional sterling silver earrings feature gleaming faceted garnets and cultured freshwater pearls that dangle lightly below the hoop.
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Handmade by artisans in India. Approximately 2 1/2''L.
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Bolivian Tapestry Suede Tote
National Geographic®
Using a centuries-old technique, Bolivian families weave mantas—beautiful woolen textiles in geometric patterns—for use as bedding and apparel.
Today, artisans take pieces of vintage mantas and frame them in soft suede and durable leather to create these beautiful totes. Features zip closure and roomy interior compartment with cell phone and sunglasses pockets.
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As each manta is unique, please expect some variation in color and pattern. Available in Red, Brown and Goldenrod. Handmade in Bolivia.
Handles are 15 1/2'' long. 14''W x 11 3/4''L x 3 1/2''D.
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Bolivian Alpaca Sweater
National Geographic®
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In the Bolivian Andes, talented artisans spin alpaca fiber into a soft and durable yarn, and through their weaving, translate their traditional ancient patterns into contemporary style.
The bright earth tones and patterns of this particularly soft and breathable three-season sweater are adapted from a 3,000-year-old fabric.
Hand wash or dry clean only. Entirely handmade in Bolivia of pure alpaca wool.
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Men's sizes M (38-40), L (42-44), XL (46-48).
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National Geographic Bolivian Leather Travel Briefcase
National Geographic®
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An essential piece of travel luggage, this beautiful artisan-crafted briefcase is made in Bolivia from the finest leather, which is known for its softness and durability.
With a classic design that brings to mind images of 19th-century explorers, the leather will only get better-looking with time.
Features brass hardware, double-reinforced closures, multiple organizer pockets, a secure file pouch, and a detachable carrying strap.
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15''W x 11''H x 5''D
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Wollemi Pine
National Geographic®
Exclusively from National Geographic, this survivor from the age of the dinosaurs is one of the greatest living fossils discovered in the 20th century. The Wollemi pine is one of the world's oldest and rarest tree species, belonging to a 200-million-year-old plant family thought to have been extinct for more than two million years.
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Previously known only from fossil records, it was presumed extinct until a single tree was found in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, in 1994. Subsequent research discovered 100 adult trees that have survived in a single canyon in this wild and rugged area.
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Comes with a care manual with the full story about the discovery and fascinating history of the Wollemi pine. Comes in a copper-colored container and will be approximately 10''H when shipped. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these plants will fund ongoing conservation research.
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National Geographic Magazine
National Geographic®
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You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership.
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Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home!
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