Christmas
Christmas origins, gift giving traditions, and symbolism.
Frankincense
Frankincense is an aromatic resin found in particular trees in Arabia and Eastern Africa. In the ancient world, the trees containing frankincense were viewed as exceptionally sacred and were thought to be guarded by terrible beasts. Frankincense is essentially extracted sap that has been allowed to harden, but when burnt it produces a pleasant... »
Myrrh
Myrrh is an aromatic resin derived from the hardened sap of shrubs located in Arabia and Eastern Africa. Myrrh had many uses in the ancient world, ranging from incense to antiseptic. Although myrrh appears in the Old Testament, its appearance in the New Testament holds special significance for Christians. Like the other gifts brought to... »
Wassail
Today most would associate wassail with the traditional holiday drink or the carol “Here we come a-wassailing,” yet the term is derived from the Old English was hál which was a traditional toast wishing good health and good fortune. The drink itself was considered a true treasure during the Middle Ages as wine and... »
Bûche de Noël
Back in Napoleon’s time, winter drafts were thought to cause disease. So Napoleon mandated that all chimneys be closed in the winter to prevent drafts. The French were no longer able to celebrate with a Yule Log in their hearths. French bakers instead created a chocolate frosted, sponge cake that literally looked like a... »
Yule Log
The Yule Log most likely began as part of pagan ritual related to the Winter Solstice. It was felt that burning a log would keep evil spirits away, over the extended period of darkness. As Christianity became more commonly adopted, it simply became associated with the Christmas celebration. Traditionally men would go out into the... »