YULE SEASON COUNTDOWN: DECORATING THE TREE
It's the Yule Season! Here's a few tips how to celebrate! First, put up the Yule tree. The tree was a Pagan practice along before it was turned into a Christmas tree.
Originally, people brought in branches of the evergreen to symbolize life in the dead of winter. This time of year was a scary time with little sun and harsh winters. People held to the promise that the sun would come again and the earth would teem with life. The evergreen symbolizes ever present vitality.
Depending on your particular beliefs, a good spirit or fairy inhabits the tree. At times, the tree was used as a type of protection. What do you put on a Yule tree?
Originally, people brought in branches of the evergreen to symbolize life in the dead of winter. This time of year was a scary time with little sun and harsh winters. People held to the promise that the sun would come again and the earth would teem with life. The evergreen symbolizes ever present vitality.
Depending on your particular beliefs, a good spirit or fairy inhabits the tree. At times, the tree was used as a type of protection. What do you put on a Yule tree?
1. Lights go on first. Any color. The more the better. Remember the intent at this time is to hold off the dark and bring back the sun. Early revelers lit bonfires on ridges to light up the night. LED Lights use less electric. Putting mirrored ornaments on the tree also multiply the effect. |
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2. Yule Spell Ornaments or Fairy Balls
Make your own by using glass or plastic balls found at craft stores. Fill it up with herbs that support your wishes. Find a spell for harmonious living, health, prosperity or whatever suits your desires. You can print it out in tiny font or write it. Tie it and place it inside the globe. You can add a tiny crystal, but make you have plenty of padding. You can add feathers, charms or ribbons too. Best of all, include your best intentions while making it. These make excellent gifts too.
( Document below contains what I put in my blessing balls. Contents depend on the results you want.)
( Document below contains what I put in my blessing balls. Contents depend on the results you want.)
3. Animal ornaments
Animals are usually an easy to get at any store. There are plenty that weren't made to be hung on a tree, but still work with a little ribbon. Kohls has a nice collection of Yule ornaments including antler horns. I usually buy mine when they go on 75% markdown.
Got children, grandchildren? Make salt dough ornaments. Here's the recipe. You can also make any other ornament you might like.
Got children, grandchildren? Make salt dough ornaments. Here's the recipe. You can also make any other ornament you might like.
4. Crystals
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Most of us know this is also the time of the winter solstice. (Northern Hemisphere December 21st, Southern Hemisphere it is June 21 and you probably won't be decorating a tree.) It is the time we welcome back the sun and the days get longer.
You can make your own ornament with salt dough, felt or construction paper. Like the one in the photo, then you can buy it on Amazon.
You can make your own ornament with salt dough, felt or construction paper. Like the one in the photo, then you can buy it on Amazon.
6. Don't forget the Stars!
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This pentacle is available from the same Amazon seller as the sun ornament with arrival before the 25th.
7. Family Photos/Ornaments
The photos ornaments were made from dollar store frames and hot gluing ribbon to them. Places like Zazzle and Walgreens will make family photo ornaments too. This is a great way to celebrate the various stages of the family. It is always fun looking at the old pictures..
8. The Traditionals
Silver and gold ornaments and tinsel was used originally for its reflective qualities. It was used to reflect back bad wishes or evil intentions,
Later on, it became symbolic for The Lord of the Forest and The Lady.
Later on, it became symbolic for The Lord of the Forest and The Lady.
Antlers or an actual ornament of a stag remembers The Lord of the Forest and symbolizes fertility. Last year, I picked up a bunch of these at Kohls. No luck this year.
I found these at Moose R Us.
I found these at Moose R Us.
Mistletoe and Holly were traditional for many reasons. Druids revered the mistletoe as a healing plant. Holly represented the Holly King who fought the Oak King for dominance of the season. Holly berries represented fertility the wrong type of holly could totally ruin the year. Read more here.
Be aware if you have pets or children that the berries can be toxic. The shard edged holly leaves can be painful too. Have a safe season.
Be aware if you have pets or children that the berries can be toxic. The shard edged holly leaves can be painful too. Have a safe season.
