the lonely goatherd

The pagan holiday, known as Yule, is an ancient festival that celebrates the rebirth of the Sun. It is observed during the winter solstice, which typically falls on December 21st or 22nd. Yule has its roots in Norse and Germanic traditions and has been celebrated for centuries. During Yule, pagans honor the return of the light and the promise of new beginnings. It is a time to come together with loved ones, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. The festival is filled with various traditions and customs, each symbolizing the themes of renewal and hope.

Osborne (The Magic Tree) strikes out in a new direction in this assured novel based on a real, though little-known character: the daughter of Kit Carson and his Arapaho wife. As the story opens, Continue reading »

With this gorgeously produced volume Osborne and Howell meet and in some ways even exceed the standards they established in Favorite Norse Myths and Mermaid Tales from Around the World. For graduates of D Aulaires Book of Greek Myths , these books deftly distill episodes from Homer s epic, pared down into easily absorbed, Continue reading.

The festival is filled with various traditions and customs, each symbolizing the themes of renewal and hope. One of the central aspects of Yule is the lighting of the Yule log. The Yule log is a large piece of wood, often from an oak tree, that is burned to symbolize the returning sun and to bring good luck for the coming year.

Magic Tree House Collection: Books 1-8

Magic Tree House fans on shoppers' holiday gift lists may also enjoy the new CD recording Magic Tree House Gift Edition: Books 1-8, read by the author. Listeners join Jack and Annie as they discover the magic tree house filled with books that sends them on adventures traveling to the time of the dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, outer space and more. ( Oct.)

Reviewed on: 10/08/2001

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The log is decorated and then lit with the remains of the previous year's log, creating a connection between the past and future. Another important tradition during Yule is the decoration of the Yule tree. Similar to the modern-day Christmas tree, the Yule tree is adorned with ornaments that represent various elements of nature and fertility. It is believed that by decorating the tree, one can ensure the return of abundance and growth in the coming months. Feasting is also a significant part of Yule celebrations. Traditional foods such as roasted meats, mulled wine, and gingerbread are enjoyed during this time. The feasting is meant to bring warmth and comfort during the cold winter months and to celebrate the abundance of the harvest. In addition to these customs, Yule is a time for storytelling, singing carols, and performing rituals to honor the gods and goddesses of the pagan tradition. It is a time to connect with nature and the cycles of the earth, embracing the darkness of winter and rejoicing in the return of the light. Overall, Yule is a holiday steeped in ancient pagan traditions and symbolism. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, the eternal return of the sun, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether celebrated in the traditional pagan manner or incorporated into modern holiday festivities, Yule offers a time of reflection, joy, and hope for the future..

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the lonely goatherd