Monday, December 7, 2015

Yule Goat



Yule Goat




The Yule Goat is a Scandinavian Christmas symbol.  Although research suggests it is rooted in Germanic and Nordic paganism, its origins may be linked to Thor, the Norse god who was believed to ride across the sky in a chariot drawn by goats. 


With 19th century Christianity came the evolution of the goat as an animal that St. Nicholas rode when he delivered gifts to good children.


Goats were also used to draw carts during the annual winter wassailing. Wassailing, also known as caroling, took place door-to-door as well as in orchards. The orchard visits included prayers and songs intended to ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year.


Today’s Yule Goat is most commonly a Christmas ornament  - a folk art - made of straw and decorated with red ribbons.

Related Information:
Christmas Wreaths 
Yule Goat  





















Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Persimmon Lore




Persimmons:



 Winter Weather Lore



 According to Ozark folklore, the shape of Persimmon seeds can actually predict the severity of winter in the area. It has been reported that
  • a spoon-shaped seed indicates a higher than average snowfall for winter
  •  a knife shape signals colder than average temperatures
  • a fork shape indicates warmer than average winters

There is no consensus about the accuracy of this prediction method, but countless blogs cite Persimmon seed predictions as an annual fun tradition shared among family and friends.

Other folklore about this fruit can be found in a Korean folk legend. A mother in a remote village attempts to quiet her inconsolable baby so that an approaching tiger cannot hear its cry. Just as the tiger is ready to pounce the mother yells out "Look there is a persimmon!" Her effort quiets the baby who already knows that persimmons can be stringent.

The tiger, thinking the persimmon must be a powerful enough to stop the baby from crying, decides to leave them alone.


Recipes: