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purplerabbit) wrote2005-12-19 07:46 pm
purplerabbit) wrote2005-12-19 07:46 pm
Questions Answered - Yule Celebration FAQ
Yule Celebration FAQ
What is a Yule Celebration?
A celebration of the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. This night is the basis for most of the celebrations known as Christmas and shares much of the same symbolism – the Yule tree (evergreen symbol of life), lights (symbol of the sun), Yule log (last year's tree as continuity) and other practices.
Do you have to be Pagan to participate?
No, actually the meaning of this holiday is important for all people. And we like sharing with all of our family and friends – of all beliefs.
Why do you have an all night celebration?
The symbolism for us is that it is by sharing with those we care about that we help each other through the dark times in all our lives. By sharing the longest night of the year with light, love and laughter, we affirm that “even in the deepest dark, the light does shine.”
When does the celebration begin?
We begin the party at 8 PM. The actual celebration of the holiday begins at sunset. We light a candle at sunset to be a guiding light in the dark.
When does the celebration end?
Just after sunrise. We gather round a fire pit in the back yard and sing songs to greet the sun. Some folks will sleep afterwards before driving somewhere else.
Do I have to attend the entire night?
No. Actually, you may show up briefly just to wish us a happy Yule or you may stay the entire night, or any amount of time you like. If you can only attend for part of the celebration, we are still happy to see you at any time during the event.
Do I have to stay awake all night?
No. You can if you want to and some people will. Others will nap during part or all of the night. We will actually have the largest bedroom set up for those who wish to rest.
Is the event child friendly?
Yes. We love sharing the holiday with kids. In fact, this year, Rowan will be with us and hosting the kids party within the larger celebration in his room. We do ask that you attend to your child(ren)’s needs and make sure they follow the house rules.
Is there a ritual aspect of the celebration?
Yes. Actually there are three major components of the ritual. Those who are here early to help set up will light a candle at sunset. This symbolizes keeping the light going in the darkness. Around the middle of the night, usually around midnight or 1 AM, we hold the formal ritual honoring the darkness, renewing our commitment to letting go of the past and embracing the future. Each person who wishes to participate will write those wishes on a piece of paper. The format of the ritual will be mostly Wiccan but geared to be inclusive of all. At sunrise, we gather outside to burn the old year's Yule log and the papers written in the darkness, while we sing to greet the sun.
No one has to participate in the ritual portions of the celebration and anyone may participate as long as they can do so without being disruptive.
Can I stay to sleep at your house after sunrise?
Yes. We would rather folks slept than drove tired if that will help. We can't promise a bed if there are a lot of overnighters, but we can provide space to sleep.
Will there be food? Should I bring food and/or drink to share?
Yes and yes. The sharing of food is an important part of the celebration. We encourage you to bring food and drink to share. We suggest you bring regular food, not just sweets, to eat during the night. Sweets are welcome too. The kitchen will be available for general use during the night and we encourage you to feed yourself and your community. We do ask you clean up after yourself and help with general clean up too.
Should I bring presents?
Presents are not required. But they are not discouraged either. Many folks will choose to share presents with folks they know will be at the celebration. Like at a birthday party, we don't expect anyone to have to give or receive presents but we love to see what folks give each other too.
What will we do all night?
Oh, there are lots of ideas. For example, we hope that at least part of the night will include folks sharing music, song and stories. Sometimes people play games (we have lots on site). Sometimes very late in the night, we watch movies. The idea is to have fun together. The main rule is sharing, keeping it child-safe and inclusive.
How can I help?
You could help with set up during the day before or the day after the celebration. You could help cook and clean and take care of yourself and others during the ritual. You could bring supplies – drinks, food, toilet paper, or other needed items. You can donate cash. You can offer whatever help you think would be welcome. This is a community event.
Do you do this every year?
Yes. For more than a dozen years we have been hosting a Yule celebration that begins the evening of December 20 and goes until sunrise on the 21st. We hope to see you this and every year.
What is a Yule Celebration?
A celebration of the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year. This night is the basis for most of the celebrations known as Christmas and shares much of the same symbolism – the Yule tree (evergreen symbol of life), lights (symbol of the sun), Yule log (last year's tree as continuity) and other practices.
Do you have to be Pagan to participate?
No, actually the meaning of this holiday is important for all people. And we like sharing with all of our family and friends – of all beliefs.
Why do you have an all night celebration?
The symbolism for us is that it is by sharing with those we care about that we help each other through the dark times in all our lives. By sharing the longest night of the year with light, love and laughter, we affirm that “even in the deepest dark, the light does shine.”
When does the celebration begin?
We begin the party at 8 PM. The actual celebration of the holiday begins at sunset. We light a candle at sunset to be a guiding light in the dark.
When does the celebration end?
Just after sunrise. We gather round a fire pit in the back yard and sing songs to greet the sun. Some folks will sleep afterwards before driving somewhere else.
Do I have to attend the entire night?
No. Actually, you may show up briefly just to wish us a happy Yule or you may stay the entire night, or any amount of time you like. If you can only attend for part of the celebration, we are still happy to see you at any time during the event.
Do I have to stay awake all night?
No. You can if you want to and some people will. Others will nap during part or all of the night. We will actually have the largest bedroom set up for those who wish to rest.
Is the event child friendly?
Yes. We love sharing the holiday with kids. In fact, this year, Rowan will be with us and hosting the kids party within the larger celebration in his room. We do ask that you attend to your child(ren)’s needs and make sure they follow the house rules.
Is there a ritual aspect of the celebration?
Yes. Actually there are three major components of the ritual. Those who are here early to help set up will light a candle at sunset. This symbolizes keeping the light going in the darkness. Around the middle of the night, usually around midnight or 1 AM, we hold the formal ritual honoring the darkness, renewing our commitment to letting go of the past and embracing the future. Each person who wishes to participate will write those wishes on a piece of paper. The format of the ritual will be mostly Wiccan but geared to be inclusive of all. At sunrise, we gather outside to burn the old year's Yule log and the papers written in the darkness, while we sing to greet the sun.
No one has to participate in the ritual portions of the celebration and anyone may participate as long as they can do so without being disruptive.
Can I stay to sleep at your house after sunrise?
Yes. We would rather folks slept than drove tired if that will help. We can't promise a bed if there are a lot of overnighters, but we can provide space to sleep.
Will there be food? Should I bring food and/or drink to share?
Yes and yes. The sharing of food is an important part of the celebration. We encourage you to bring food and drink to share. We suggest you bring regular food, not just sweets, to eat during the night. Sweets are welcome too. The kitchen will be available for general use during the night and we encourage you to feed yourself and your community. We do ask you clean up after yourself and help with general clean up too.
Should I bring presents?
Presents are not required. But they are not discouraged either. Many folks will choose to share presents with folks they know will be at the celebration. Like at a birthday party, we don't expect anyone to have to give or receive presents but we love to see what folks give each other too.
What will we do all night?
Oh, there are lots of ideas. For example, we hope that at least part of the night will include folks sharing music, song and stories. Sometimes people play games (we have lots on site). Sometimes very late in the night, we watch movies. The idea is to have fun together. The main rule is sharing, keeping it child-safe and inclusive.
How can I help?
You could help with set up during the day before or the day after the celebration. You could help cook and clean and take care of yourself and others during the ritual. You could bring supplies – drinks, food, toilet paper, or other needed items. You can donate cash. You can offer whatever help you think would be welcome. This is a community event.
Do you do this every year?
Yes. For more than a dozen years we have been hosting a Yule celebration that begins the evening of December 20 and goes until sunrise on the 21st. We hope to see you this and every year.