Evergreens have always been revered as a natural symbol of rebirth and life in the midst of winter. They seem to defy even the coldest and darkest days of the year.Holly, in particular, is used to decorate doors, windows and fireplaces because of its prickliness -- to ward off evil spirits from the home before they can enter and harm those inside.
LORE The oldest written sources on the Yule Cat are from the Nineteenth Century. These refer to the fact that those who do not get a new item of clothing for Yule are destined to become offerings for the Yule Cat. It may sound strange that the deprived ones will also become the sacrifices, but this tradition is based on the fact that every effort was made to finish all work with the Autumn wool before Yule. The reward for those who took part in the work was a new piece of clothing. Those who were lazy received nothing. Thus the Yule Cat was used as an incentive to get people to work harder. THE YULE CAT by Jóhannes úr Kötlum (Icelandic poet) You all know the Yule Cat And that Cat was huge indeed. People didn't know where he came from Or where he went. He opened his glaring eyes wide, The two of them glowing bright. It took a really brave man To look straight into them. His whiskers, sharp as bristles, His back arched up high. And the claws of his hairy paws Were a terrible sight. He gave a wave of his strong tail, He jumped and he clawed and he hissed. Sometimes up in the valley, Sometimes down by the shore. He roamed at large, hungry and evil In the freezing Yule snow. In every home People shuddered at his name. If one heard a pitiful "meow" Something evil would happen soon. Everybody knew he hunted men But didn't care for mice. He picked on the very poor That no new garments got For Yule - who toiled And lived in dire need. From them he took in one fell swoop Their whole Yule dinner Always eating it himself If he possibly could. Hence it was that the women At their spinning wheels sat Spinning a colorful thread For a frock or a little sock. Because you mustn't let the Cat Get hold of the little children. They had to get something new to wear From the grownups each year. And when the lights came on, on Yule Eve And the Cat peered in, The little children stood rosy and proud All dressed up in their new clothes. Some had gotten an apron And some had gotten shoes Or something that was needed - That was all it took. For all who got something new to wear Stayed out of that pussy-cat's grasp He then gave an awful hiss But went on his way. Whether he still exists I do not know. But his visit would be in vain If next time everybody Got something new to wear. Now you might be thinking of helping Where help is needed most. Perhaps you'll find some children That have nothing at all. Perhaps searching for those That live in a lightless world Will give you a happy day And a Merry, Merry Yule.
HOLIDAY GREETINGS ACROSS THE WORLD Cherokee: Danistayohihv Cheyenne: Hoesenestotse Chinese/Cantonese: Singdaan faailok Chippewa/Ojibwe: Niibaa' anami'egiizhigad Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi Czech: Veselé Vánoce Danish: Glćdelig Jul! Dutch: PRETTIGE KERSTDAGEN English: Merry Christmas! Finnish: Hyvää joulua! French: Joyeux Noël Gaelic (Irish): Nollaig Shona Gaelic (Scottish): Nollaig Chridheil German: Frohe Weihnachten! Greenlandic: Juullimi pilluaritsi Icelandic: Gleđileg Jól Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson homungradon nagwutut Italian: Buon Natale Lakota: Wanikiya tonpi wowiyuskin Latin: Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis Navajo: Kasmish Bihozhi / Yá'át'ééh Késhmish Norwegeian: God Jul Polish: Wesolych Swiat Portuguese: Feliz Natal! Russian: S Rozhdestvom Khristovym Spanish: Feliz Navidad Swahili: Khula Sikuku Enjuri / Kuwa na Krismasi njema Swedish: God Jul Vietnamese: Chúc Můng Giáng Sinh Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
SONGS & STORIES: "The "Carol of the Bells" is based on the Ukrainian carol called "Shchedryk" which has the same melody as the Carol of the Bells, but different English words. The word "Shchedryk" means the "Generous One". It refers to the god of generosity, the Dazh Boh - the Giver God, which is the sun.
HERBS:Holly, Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Rosemary, Oak, Pine cones, Bayberry, Cedar, Juniper, Ginger, & Myrrh
FOODS:Nuts, Apples, Oranges, Pears, Mulled wine or cider, Roasted turkey, Pork, Caraway cookies & cakes, Gingerbread, Apple juice, Hibiscus tea
COLORS:Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold
STONES:Ruby, Garnet & Bloodstone
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