12th Night (25 Dec - Jan 6)

EXTRACT: 


In Old England, The Twelfth Night marked the end of the winter festival that started on Samhain. The Lord of Misrule symbolizes the world turning upside down with the coming of winter. In the middle ages, the Twelfth Night began on the eve of December 25th moving forward 12 days to January 6th, hence the name the twelve days of Christmas.

The Twelfth Night festival marked the onset of the winter solstice, the point in late December when the sun, whose daily arc had reached its lowest, darkest, coldest point, began its rise toward the longer, warmer days and the coming of spring. On December 25th, the ceremonial Yule log was hauled in to start the hearth fire around which its members and visitors would gather throughout the rest of the Christmas festival days.

Twelfth Night was the final frenzy of feasting, drinking and merry making before the townspeople returned to daily life for the remainder of winter. A grand cake was the focus of the celebratory feast as well as Wassail, Fig Pudding and other generous tasty handmade dishes.

Wassail, The ale-based drink seasoned with spices, fruits, sugars and honey was served in huge silver or pewter bowls. The punch was passed amongst family members and friends with the greeting "Wassail", the Old English term meaning "be well."

The Winter Solstice or “Yule” celebrates the shortest day and the longest night. When the sun returns, born from the dark and nourishing womb of the Great Goddess. And as the Oak King regains his rule, defeating the Holly King, we kindle the light of hope. For light is returning and with it, new life and new beginnings.

Winter Wassail Punch spices are a blend of traditional Wassail fruits and spices and will fill your home with a warm and festive magical aroma. With organic orange peel, organic cinnamon, organic ginger, organic cloves organic raw sugar, and organic winter spices, each jar comes with a cinnamon stick to add to the brew. Add slices of fresh apples to the brew or use apple slices as a garnish when serving.

To use, simply place the spice mix into a cauldron or pot with apple cider or wine. Simmer and brew on low until the desired taste is reached. Strain the brewing herbs and serve warm. YUM!

To use as an aromatic home brew, fill a cauldron or simmering pot with about 2 cups of water. Add the brew and simmer on low heat. If simmering for a longer period of time, make sure to add more water to the mix. This 4 ounce glass jar of Winter Wassail Punch Spices will brew about 3 or 4 large pots.

HOLLY AND IVY
The Holly King, the Lord of the Winterwood and darksome twin of the waning year, rules from Midsummer to Midwinter. Also recognized as the Horned God or Father Time, the Holly King is the King of the Waning year who plunged the earth into Winter. He also represents inner knowledge and mysteries. The Oak King, the Lord of the Greenwood and golden twin of the waxing year, rules from Midwinter to Midsummer. The Oak King represents light, growth and expansion.

To the early Celts, trees, especially the Oak tree were considered sacred. Oak trees are deciduous, meaning that they go into a dormant state during the winter months. English Christmas Holly trees are evergreen, and maintain their foliage year round. As the cold weather approached and the Oak trees lost their foliage, the Holly trees, which had been hidden amid the leafy Oaks now stood out in their full beauty in the barren landscape.


12th night resin incense
Twelfth Night Old World "Resins of the Ancients" are a blend of natural heartwoods, saps, resins, herbs, flowers and honey drenched with intoxicating essential and essence oils that will fill your sacred space with energy and magic celebrating Old England and the medieval Pagan traditions of Twelfth Night. A return to merriment of times long ago and long forgotten ~

Resin incenses have been burned for centuries during ritual work to invoke the spirits. This magickal blend will intoxicate and fill the air, inside or out of doors, with a lovely pure and sweet natural fragrance. This aromatic sacred smoke is so powerful that just a few pieces burned on a disk will fill up your sacred space with a mood transforming essence and its magical power. A blend reminiscent of a dark winters night on the streets of Old England, burning woods, warm fig and vanilla bean.

Resin incenses are made to be burned on a charcoal disk in a cauldron or heat safe incense vessel.



Ref:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/64223317/winter-wassail-punch-holiday-wassail?ref=v1_other_1
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64296007/twelfth-night-resins-of-the-ancients-old?ref=tre-4d10509687566d91ba03be3b-2