A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 9

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 9

TASTES OF THE SEASON

Food has always been part of every one's cultures and traditions and this time of year it tends to take the forefront and shine like the Star of David on a dark cold December night.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Saturnalia, there is something to tantalize the taste buds. 

Sweet breads, decadent puddings and trifles, chocolate and marzipan are just a few selections to be found on a dining table. The aromas of cardamon, prune, walnuts and date engulf the senses to create lost childhood memories of 'Grandma's cooking'. 

Pagans have used food in their rituals and celebrations for millenia. Used to ward off evil, offering to the gods, and in general celebrations. Wine, mead and ale were consumed alongside all the rich goodies.

My personal favorites for this time of year are:

Kurtos Kalacs (sweet dough dipped in caramel and rolled in walnuts) 

Dobosh Torte (layered angel food cake with walnut filling and chocolate ganache topping)

Tarte au Sucre (French Canadian sugar pie)

Tortiere (French Canadian meat pie)

Panatone (Italian sweet bread with or without raisins)

Stollen (German sweet bread)

Buche de Noel (Yule log) (usually chocolate with creme filling, frosted to resemble a log of wood)

Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks does it right!!!!)

It doesn't matter what you celebrate. What matters is family, love, honor, tradition and embracing different cultures. 

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 7

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 7

Yule Log vs Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree has been a tradition in Christian homes for centuries, but it got it's start in Pagan times as a Yule Log. 

During the Winter Solstice, the Yule log was used as a focal point for celebration. It signified the fertility, eternal life. The Yule log was adorned with holly and candles and lit (similar to the Jewish Menorah). After the Yule tide season was over, the log would be burned to ensure no evil will or spirits would enter the home.

As Christianity took hold, the Pagan tradition morphed into today's Christmas tree.  While today's Christmas tree doesn't resemble it's grandfather the Yule log, the principal and usage is the same. Celebration of life, family, love and hope for the future.

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS part 4

A PAGAN CHRISTMAS

part 4

Saturnalia in Ancient Roman times was a winter festival that Pagans would celebrate with the glitz and glam of 'modern' Hollywood. 

Elaborate meals would be prepared. Silver and gold would be mingled in the evergreens for decoration and a sign of prosperity for the hosting families. The more gold you wore or showed off, the more prosperous you were. Of course, sacrifices and gifts to both the Gods and to one another was very important in the celebration rituals. 

Christians, later adopted several of the Saturnalia practices as Christmas became the more predominant holiday. The ritual of gift giving for Christians comes from the Magi presenting Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Now it's DVDs, jewelry and an ugly tie for 'Uncle Joe'.  Just like their Pagan cousins, Christians also gather to celebrate with elaborate Christmas dinners. 

Every nationality has their own special 'dishes' for the holiday season. From Potica to Stollen to Buche de Noel; food plays a pivotal role in modern day celebrations. Pagans and Christians alike both enjoy and share in this rich and tasty tradition. 

Now where did I put my fork?

*Potica -Slovak/Czech bread

*Stollen - German cake

*Buche de Noel - France and Quebec cake (Yule Log)