Monday, November 26, 2012

Thoughts of Yule, the New Year, and Noms


This evening,  I mentioned to my boyfriend that 5:30 felt more like 8:30.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to the solstice and longer days!   This also makes me think of eating some meat again.  I’ve been tempted a couple of times, but I’ve resisted.  At Yule, I’m looking forward to sinking my fangs into a feast.

It’s time to start exploring some traditional foods for the winter solstice.   Now, back before we could ship food everywhere and get almost everything all year long, food wasn’t very plentiful in the winter.  It all depended upon the harvest and what you were able to preserve and put away.   Food was salted, pickled, preserved in honey, dried, or even kept in the snow.  Food was scarce, and therefore, it was extra sacred.

I’ve talked a little bit about my interpretations of some of the meats consumed at this time – namely pork and fowl such as turkey or goose.   For me, meat in general symbolizes prosperity because at one time, only the wealthy could afford to have it with any regularity.    

Despite their differences – wings versus hooves, land versus air and water - I tend to associate these animals with the element of earth, ruling over prosperity, abundance, etc.    I see the winter solstice as the beginning of the new year.  It’s a time when I want to invite prosperity and abundance into my life.

 It’s not a problem if you don’t eat meat.  There are other ways of inviting prosperity into your home at the new year, and I promise I will explore some of these options as we go along.   

Next up:  Pork Curry with Apples and Cranberries  

1 comment:

wickedwiseowl said...

Great post Nar! Definitely gave me some things to think about. I look forward to your thoughts on bringing prosperity for those who don't eat meat. *whispers me* *lol* Although I loved your explanation!:)