YULE LOG

The Yule log is traditionally symbolic of a petition to God that the home would stay warm and safe and was brought in on Christmas Eve and lit using splinters of the previous Yule log by a chosen family member. It was burned slowly over several days bringing light, warmth and fragrance into the New Year.

To add the fragrance of herbs and spices and make one of these as a centerpiece for your home, choose a log of any size suitable for its location including dining table, sideboard or the fireplace hearth. Start by drilling a hole for candles and then covering the top of the log with some type of moss and then decorate with ribbons, evergreens, pinecones plus herbs and spices with the following special meanings:

Boxwood: Symbol of immortality
Junipers and Cedars: Symbol of sanctuary and protection
Myrtle: Symbol of peace and joy
Bay Leaves: Symbol of merit and honor
Sage: Symbol of health and long life
Lavender: Symbol of purity
Rosemary: Symbol of remembrance
Thyme: Symbol of courage and strength
Dried Fruit: Symbol of hospitality
Spices (cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise and   
          nutmeg): Symbol of levity

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.”  

Colossians 3:23