The old fashioned pagan log for Yule is a traditional practice that dates back centuries. It is a ritual that celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun. At its core, the Yule log symbolizes the cycle of life and represents the light and warmth of the returning sun. **During the winter solstice, which usually falls on December 21st, the Yule log is traditionally brought into the home and burned for twelve nights.** This represents the twelve days of Christmas and the period of renewal and transformation that occurs during this time. **Choosing the right log is an important part of the ritual.
If you need something a bit more robust in your belly before you dig into the sweet treats, they do have sandwiches ready to order. You just have to select from their five options, and then get ready for pure decadence in every bite. Although you might want to finish the whole thing, you’ll likely regret not leaving room in your belly for their signature sweetness, too. So, consider sharing the sandwich or tucking away half for later if you’re not feeling ravenous.
After setting down the base hues, they top each one with a dizzying amount of embellishments, leaving you wondering just how they pile it all one there. The Cookie Monster is loaded with the Shack s signature acai blend, granola, strawberries, bananas, Cookie Crisps, cookie butter and Nutella drizzle.
**Choosing the right log is an important part of the ritual.** It is typically made from a hardwood, such as oak or ash, and is often decorated with holly, evergreen, and other seasonal foliage. These adornments represent the connection between the earth and the divine.
Droolworthy: Magical Unicones and acai bowls
At the end of March, this creation popped up on the Instagram feed of Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack in Hilo: Behold: the Unicone.
Since I love soft serve, I vowed to make Makani’s the first stop on my next Hilo trip. Thanks to TransAir Global, I recently had the chance to fly there on a private jet. TransAir Global is a luxury charter and the flagship of the TransAir fleet.
TransAir’s customized Boeing 737 can carry 30 passengers and will eventually be available for charter flights. Traveling on a private jet was priceless. The most delicious tiki room I’ve ever been in.
Makani’s in downtown Hilo is filled with tiki décor. It’s kitschy and quirky, with a playful vibe that matches its one-of-a-kind menu. The Unicone ($5.50) features a blend of ube and dragonfruit soft serve topped with sprinkles.
The whimsical Unicone is as refreshing and fun to eat as it looks. The hype is real — one lick and I hear angels sing. The ube flavor is mild and balances the tart dragonfruit perfectly. For extra magic and an extra $2, you can order this in a mini pineapple.
Since I’m not sure when I’ll be back at Makani’s, I top off my Unicone with a colossal acai bowl. They run $12 each, but are worth it. This is probably the best acai I’ve ever had, and definitely the most photogenic. The Cookie Monster is loaded with the Shack’s signature acai blend, granola, strawberries, bananas, Cookie Crisps, cookie butter and Nutella drizzle.
I wish the Shack had a scale to weigh this behemoth. The acai is on the smoother side, not icy or chunky, and slightly sweeter.
This blend is so refreshing and smooth that I could probably eat it plain and be completely satisfied.
The granola and Cookie Crisp toppings give the acai bowl crunch and texture, and super-sticky Nutella and cookie butter coat the roof of my mouth. Acai is healthy-ish, right? So it’s okay to splurge a little. Or a lot. Ordering “healthy” was never so much fun.
Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack (formerly Big Island Juice Co.)
54 Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo
935-8454
**The log is then carefully lit, and it is important to keep the fire burning for the entire twelve nights.** As the log burns, it is believed to release positive energy and banish negativity from the home. It is also a time for reflection and setting intentions for the coming year. **Once the twelve nights have passed, it is customary to save a small piece of the log to start the fire for the following year.** This ensures the continuation of the Yule log tradition and symbolizes the eternal cycle of life. The old fashioned pagan log for Yule is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that connects us to the natural world and the changing seasons. It reminds us to appreciate the power of the sun and the hope that comes with each new year..
Reviews for "Ancient Yule Log Practices Around the World: A Global Perspective"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really excited to try out the "Old fashioned pagan log for yule" as I love celebrating the winter solstice. However, I found this log to be extremely underwhelming. The instructions provided were not clear at all, and I struggled to light the log properly. Additionally, the log did not burn as long as I had expected, which was disappointing. Overall, I was not impressed with this product and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - I purchased the "Old fashioned pagan log for yule" thinking it would be a great addition to my holiday decorations. However, I was extremely disappointed with the quality of the log. It arrived damaged and the bark was falling off. The log also had a strange odor, which made me question its safety for indoor use. I ended up returning the log and purchasing something else instead. I would not recommend this product to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to incorporate the "Old fashioned pagan log for yule" into my yule celebration, but I was let down by the overall experience. The log was smaller than I had anticipated and did not produce as much heat as I had hoped. Additionally, the log burned unevenly, which created a mess and required constant monitoring. Overall, I think there are better options available for celebrating yule and I would not purchase this log again.