Yule Celebration - After the Witches Market in Howard

Come one, come all as we Celebrate Yule with Song, Dance, Food, Drink, Ritual and making your own Blessing Doll and an incredible performance by Jon Vea Vea! Join us for this magical event on the Fraser Coast in the charming country town of Howard at the QCWA Hall in Steley Street Howard from 6pm to 10pm.  

🎉🔮 Spend the day exploring the enchanting Witches Market in Howard and then join us for our spectacular Yule Celebration! 🧙‍♀️🛍️🌿 

🚍 For those of you traveling a distance, we've got you covered! There's a free RV park right across the road for your convenience, making it easy to attend both the Markets and the Yule Celebration. 🚐📍 

🎟️ Secure your tickets now at the following link: 👉🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/yule-celebration-howard-2024

🌲🔥 What is Yule? 🌬️❄️ Yule, the Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice, holds deep roots as one of the oldest winter celebrations worldwide. 🌍⛄️

 🌞🌛 In ancient times, when people relied on hunting and spent most of their lives outdoors, the seasons and weather held immense significance. Many ancient cultures revered and even worshipped the sun. 🏞️🙌 

🌬️❄️ The Norsemen of Northern Europe viewed the sun as a wheel that turned the seasons. The word "yule" is believed to have originated from their word for this wheel, "houl." During mid-winter, the Norsemen would light bonfires, share stories, and enjoy sweet ale. 🌑🔥🍺

🏛️ The ancient Romans also embraced a festival called Saturnalia, celebrating the rebirth of the year. Lasting for seven days from December 17th, Saturnalia turned the world upside down, with men dressing as women and masters as servants. The festival involved adorning houses with greenery, lighting candles, hosting processions, and exchanging gifts. 🎁🕯️ 

🌿 The Winter Solstice, falling on the shortest day of the year (December 21st), was celebrated in Britain long before Christianity arrived. The Druids, Celtic priests, would cut mistletoe from oak trees and offer it as a blessing. The sacred oaks represented strength, while the winter fruit of the mistletoe symbolized life during the dark winter months. 🌳🍃

 🔥💫 It was the Druids who initiated the tradition of the yule log. As the Celts believed that the sun stood still for twelve days in the heart of winter, they lit a log to conquer darkness, ward off evil spirits, and bring blessings for the upcoming year. 🔥✨🎄 Many of these customs persist to this day, finding their place in both Christian and secular Christmas celebrations. Let's embrace the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped this joyous holiday season! 🎅🌟🎄