Not Just a Drink: Wassail

“Wassail, wassail, all over the town

Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown

Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree

With the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee”

— Gloucestershire Wassail Carol

When you read the lyrics aloud to this drinking song (or hear the tune), you can almost feel that cup of hot alcohol in your hand as you drunkenly sway to and fro, singing at the top of your lungs around the Christmas tree. The drink, wassail, conjures images of caroling revelers dressed in boughs of holly and fir with wooden crocks full of good cheer in a Bacchus-type parade through city streets. It’s nostalgia wrapped in a warm blanket of cider, mulled wine, nutmeg and floating orange slices. A celebratory holiday gathering around a highly decorative punch bowl. But, wassail has a muddled heritage. Is it warm booze? An action verb? A hearty salutation? A song? Yes. It’s all of these things, and it includes a storied family tree rooted in tradition and branching out in nearly every direction for over a millennium.

 

I salute thee…Waes hael!

First, let’s rewind to a castle in 5th-century Britain, where Rowena — the beautiful daughter of a Saxon leader — seduces an incredibly inebriated King Vortigern with a goblet of spiced wine, giving the first recorded toast in history to his good health by crying out, “Waes hael!” Taken by her beauty, he immediately beds then weds the girl after ordering her to drink of the same cup and exclaiming, “Drinc hael!” — “drink, and good health!” This moment in British history becomes the foundation on which one thousand years of wassail tradition spring forth and is said to be the first documented “toast” in history. Seems legit, right?

Whether we are to believe a drunken king wearing wine goggles is charmed into bed, then marriage by a potion-bearing, Saxon babe — thus inadvertently setting the course of the Western world’s drinking culture — is neither here nor there. The point is, it’s a great story. One of many attributed to the history and lore which seem to surround wassail. No one really knows what was in that goblet. Was it spiced wine? Mead? Ale? It doesn’t matter. Wassail was not a drink that night. It was simply a salutation — a toast among drinking buddies celebrating the good health of their friend, the king. Whatever the case, the salute stuck. The word as we know it today, “wassail,” first appears in the 8th century poem “Beowulf”. In the poem, it is again not a drink, but a salute to its warriors.

 

“Forlorn he looks on the lodge of his son,

wine-hall waste and wind-swept chambers

reft of revel. The rider sleepeth,

the hero, far-hidden; no harp resounds,

in courts no wassail, as once was heard.”

 

Get wassailed

“I’ve always liked the fact that wassail produced a verb — wassailing, which suggests roots in social activity — something arising out of the dark, northern days of the holiday season. I’ve heard people talk about going cocktailing, but that doesn’t have the same ring.”

Long after Vortigern and Rowena’s intoxicating meeting, wassail continued to dominate English drinking culture in one form or another. The act of “wassailing” dates back to pre-Christian times when farmers living in England’s southeastern apple-growing region would gather in the mid-winter chill in the orchards collectively shouting while pouring cider onto their trees to ward off evil spirits. By wassailing their crops in the winter, it was said to ensure a healthy crop in the spring. As Christianity began to spread, this ritual evolved further into singing and drinking to the health of next season’s crops on Twelfth Night; the last night of the traditional Christmas season. It seemed only appropriate to attach the celebration of Christ’s birth and his visit from three wisemen with the hope for a good yield in the orchards in the coming year. It also assured them not being burned as heretics under the ever-watchful eye of the Church.

In some regions of medieval Britain, wassail involved a large gathering of tenants at the manor house where the master, channeling Rowena, would hold up a bowl of steaming spiced wine or ale and shout, “Wassail!” with the crowd replying, “Drink hail!” before devolving into Christmas revelry. Yet in other regions, wassailing took on a slightly sinister tone with drunken crowds gathering outside feudal lords’ homes while bowls of ale flowed, singing loudly and not dispersing until they received Christmas treats. Hence the line in We Wish You a Merry Christmas, “Now give us a figgy pudding. We won’t go until we get some.” You can imagine the fear of the manors’ inhabitants watching a fire, backlit crowd of drunken idiots demanding food growing larger and louder by the minute. That’s enough to make anyone relent to mob rule.

In the 14th century, someone decided to morph the old story of King Vortigern and Rowena, their boozy salute, and the passing of the loving cup yet again. This time, the act of door-to-door drinking took a cue from the simple act of saluting and celebrating to a healthy, happy new year. Crowds of carolers would visit neighbors rather than their masters with a large wassailing bowl filled with a spiced punch of mulled wine or ale, nutmeg and sugar. People would then dip toasted bread into the mixture to soak up the flavor and share in the merriment. This band of intoxicated carousers unwittingly created our modern word to “toast” by simply floating a few croutons in a bowl of ale. But it was from here, the act of wassailing and its drink would forever merge, forming one of cocktail’s most enduring partnerships.

 

Wassail, wassail!

By the Renaissance, wassailing had a firm foothold in England’s Christmas traditions. The drunken band of rabble-rousers banging on doors begging for figgy pudding was now simply spreading good cheer door-to-door in the village while singing Christmas carols with a punch bowl of sweetened, spiced ale. But it was during the 17th century the liquid inside the bowl finally started to take center stage in the merry ritual of Christmas and its now 500-year love affair with apples. The rich punch-like mixture called “Lambswool” was considered the wassail drink of choice for the Christmas punch bowl of the day. It contained warm ale or mulled wine, sugar, nutmeg, eggs, toasts, and “crabs” — steaming, roasted crab apples dropped still-hot into the warm punch, bursting upon impact and making a hissing sound as the mixture frothed and bubbled. The crabs gave the punch a tart sweetness while adding a bit of drama. It is from Lambswool that what we know as the traditional Christmas wassail drink was birthed.

 

From wassail to nog to toddy

What started as most likely mead or spiced wine sweetened with honey has gone through many transformations throughout the centuries. Wassail evolved from a hot punch-like beverage of mulled wine spiced with nutmeg and raisins to keep the winter chill at bay for loitering merrymakers to its modern Christmas cousin, the cider concoction containing wine, bobbed apples, and sliced oranges and in some households, to an even richer, cream-based punch containing sherry, crusts of bread or sweet cakes, and even eggs.

As the punch matured, mixtures of madeira, sherry, or brandy began to appear alongside the the traditional ale or cider, becoming a modern, more complex split based punch. When settlers began arriving in America, “wassailing” had become nothing more than a celebratory gathering at home with friends during Christmas with a cider-based punch spiked with rum. An ocean now separated the old and new. Wassail’s American transformation continued as generations grew further from their English roots, streamlining the creamy Lambswool-based punches into egg nog or the cider-rum mixtures into a wassail-for-one with the whiskey-forward hot toddy. It is these drinks we now most associate with our modern holiday traditions as the punch bowl of yore gathers dust on the shelf in the China cabinet.

The carousing traditions of wassail may have gotten lost in its own convoluted history, but the drink that emerged from the lore continues to play a small role in the nostalgia that is Christmas in the Western world. Many still gather around the punch bowl, sometimes singing carols, often happily sipping a cider-based, spiced concoction which today may or may not contain alcohol. Even the vessel has modernized, with wassail being kept warm for party-goers’ convenience in the crock pot; always at the ready for ladling into a punch cup.

Wassail is indeed both a noun and a verb. Mostly it is a salutatory celebration of a long year as you gather with those you cherish and raise a glass of good cheer to toast to a healthy, happy new year and enduring friendships. For wassail is, first and foremost, a salute.

 

So, we say to you, TOTCF readers, whatever you believe, “Wassail! Drink hail!”

Now to Drink:

 

Wassailing

Wassailing is a very ancient custom that is rarely done today. The word ‘wassail’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, which means ‘good health’. Originally, the wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar. It was served from huge bowls, often made of silver or pewter.

The Wassail drink mixture was sometimes called ‘Lamb’s Wool’ because of the pulp of the roasted apples looked all frothy and a bit like Lambs Wool! Here is a recipe for wassail.

Wassailing was traditionally done on New Year’s Eve and Twelfth Night, but some rich people drank Wassail on all the 12 days of Christmas!

One legend about how Wassailing was created, says that a beautiful Saxon maiden named Rowena presented Prince Vortigen with a bowl of wine while toasting him with the words ‘waes hael’.

Over the centuries, a great deal of ceremony developed around the custom of drinking wassail. The bowl was carried into a room with a great fanfare, a traditional carol about the drink was sung, and finally, the steaming hot beverage was served.

The person offering the drink would say “wassail” (good health) and the recipient would reply “drinkhail” (drink good health). From this it developed into another way of saying Merry Christmas to each other!

One of the most popular Wassailing Carols went like this:

Here we come a-wassailing

Among the leaves so green,

Here we come a-wassailing,

So fair to be seen:

Love and joy come to you,

And to you your wassail too,

And God bless you and send you,

A happy New Year,

And God send you,

A happy new year.

 

Jesus College, in Oxford University, has a Wassail bowl, that is covered with silver. It can hold 10 gallons of drink!

 

Wassailing Apple Trees

In parts of England (such as Somerset and Sussex) where apples are grown, especially for cider, Wassailing still takes place on Twelfth Night (or sometimes New Year’s Eve or even Christmas Eve). People go into apple orchards and then sing songs, make loud noises and dance around to scare off any evil spirits and also to ‘wake up’ the trees so they will give a good crop! The Wassail is also sometimes poured over the roots of the trees to ‘feed’ them.

It’s also common to place toast which has been soaked in beer or cider into the boughs of the trees to feed and thank the trees for giving apples. That’s where the term to ‘toast’ someone with a drink comes from!

In parts of South Wales in the United Kingdom, there is the tradition of the ‘Mari Lwyd’ wassailing horse.

 

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is an alcoholic drink made by warming red wine and adding other flavors and spices including cinnamon, cloves, star anise and ginger. Sometimes fruit such as oranges and lemons are also added. It’s normally served hot/warm but can be also be served cold. Sometimes non-alcoholic wine is used.

The earliest records of warmed wine with spices come from the Romans. They could well have taken this warming drink around Europe. The first ‘modern’ description of a warm wine drink is in a medieval English cookery book from 1390.

It became more popular during the Victorian period as Wassail was drunk less less with the demise of Twelfth Night parties.

Different variations of mulled wine include ‘Smoking Bishop’ which is made with port, red wine and lemons or oranges, with the oranges often being studded with cloves. Smoking Bishop was mentioned at the end of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens in 1843, where the reformed Scrooge arranges to talk to Bob Cratchit over a ‘Christmas bowl of smoking bishop’.

There are other ‘ecclesiastics’ including ‘Smoking Archbishop’ made with claret; ‘Smoking Beadle’ made with ginger wine and raisins; ‘Smoking Cardinal; made with Champagne and ‘Smoking Pope’ made with burgundy.

In German speaking countries, mulled wine is known as Glühwein and there’s also Feuerzangenbowle, where a block of rum-soaked sugarloaf is set alit and sits over and drips into the mulled wine. Mulled wine is known by other names in different countries including glögg, vin chaud, vino caliente, vin brulé and bisschopswijn.

 

Why Do We Drink That? The History of Wassail

The word “wassail” has a long, tradition-rich history.

Dating back to the seventh century, wassail has meant everything from “to dance in celebration,” to “a warm, spicy beverage drunk as a hope for good health.”

And historically, during the Anglo-Saxon period between 410-1066 AD, pagans seemed to do both: wassailing through the orchards singing and pouring wine on the crops as a ritual for an abundant harvest!

Today, we know wassail as a popular holiday cocktail. Something warm and spiced we drink as a celebration of the season.

 

But why do we drink that?

Grab a glass and lean in as we tell you the story behind the revelrous cocktail that has inspired some pretty epic Game of Thrones-esque parties throughout the ages.

 

What Is Wassail?

A hot beverage made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, citrus, and apples, wassail is typically served during the holiday season in a big bowl.

Deriving from the Old Norse greeting “Ves Heill,” similar to the Old English expression “be in good health” (Merriam-Webster), wassail is known as a sort of tonic.

Hardly surprising given that wassail’s ingredients are rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

 

Plus, a tipple of alcohol never hurts the soul either, right?

But it’s not just wassail’s ingredients that surprise and delight.

 

Wassail Throughout the Ages

Throughout over fourteen centuries, Wassail has given rise to several remarkably original traditions, customs, and recipes.

 

Seventh Century: The oldest recorded mention of wassail appears in one of the oldest known poems in the English language—an Old English poem called Beowulf.

“The rider sleepeth, the hero, far-hidden; no harp resounds, in the courts no wassail, as once was heard,” reads the line in Beowulf.

 

Thirteenth Century: The term “wassail bowl,” a steaming bowl of ale and fortified wine, first appears.

Similarly, during this time the name “toast,” which we associate with raising our glasses in celebration, originates from the practice of medieval partygoers dipping bread and cakes into a huge bowl of ale. Which could or could not have been wassail!

 

Seventeenth Century: At this time, people start taking the warm wassail bowl from door to door as a festive offering of happiness and peace.

The term “wassailing” evolves over time to suggest alcoholic celebration in a more general sense.

 

Nineteenth Century: The puritans bring the tradition of wassail bowls to America, sparking the creation of other large bowl beverages, like eggnog and the hot toddy.

 

Late Twentieth to Early Twenty-First Century: Present-day revelers continue to drink wassail around the holidays, singing its praises (literally) in a classic holiday song simply called “The Wassail Song.”

With lyrics that wish good health, love, joy, and happiness in the new year, the now-traditional English Christmas carol has become a favorite to sing during the holiday season.

For instance, like the March sisters in the 1994 adaptation of “Little Women.”

This holiday, might be the time for you to start your own wassailing tradition.

 

How to Make Wassail

For a drink so rich in history, wassail is surprisingly easy to make.

You just need a few key seasonal fruits, spices, and of course spirits.

Although if you want to get fancy, this warm beverage has a lot of garnish options, like brandy-soaked apple slices or frothy egg-white topping with nutmeg. Feel free to be as festive as you please and make your wassail your own.

The best part is that the wassail will still be as enjoyable without alcohol—just omit the brandy.

 

Here’s a homemade recipe for the holiday or anytime  beverage.

 

Ingredients:

Serves 8-10 cups

2 quarts apple cider

2 cups orange juice

½ cup brandy

1 cup pineapple juice

5 whole cloves

5 cinnamon sticks

5 star anise

1/2 cup cranberries

1 orange, sliced

1 apple, sliced

Nutmeg

Instructions:

1) Add the apple cider, orange juice, and pineapple juice to a big pot over low heat.

2) Once the liquid begins to steam, add the apple slices, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and nutmeg.

3) Simmer for at least an hour to infuse the liquid.

4) Ladle only the warm liquid into a mug, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and a fresh apple slice.

To get the full effect, don’t forget to toast and say, “Cheers to your health!”

To Pea Or Not To Pea: The Black-Eyed Pea

 

The black-eyed pea or black-eyed bean is a legume grown around the world for its medium-sized, edible bean. It is a subspecies of the cowpea, an Old World plant domesticated in Africa, and is sometimes simply called a cowpea.

Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a variety of the cowpea and are part of the family of beans & peas (Leguminosae or Fabaceae in the USA). Although called a pea, it is actually a bean. Both peas and beans are legumes, and both have edible seeds and pods. According to the Penguin Companion to Food, bean is a “term loosely applied to any legume whose seeds or pods are eaten, not classed separately as a pea or lentil.” Beans traditionally were in the genus Phaseolus, but now some of the species, including the black-eyed pea, are in the genus Vigna. Peas are in the genus Pisum.

The common names of beans and peas are not consistent; other legumes popularly called “peas” are the butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), the chickpea (Cicer arietinum), pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan), and the winged pea (Lotus tetragonolobus). As legumes they are extremely nourishing vegetables, both to people and to the soil. They are able to fix nitrogen, meaning nitrogen from the air is taken in by the plant and bacteria living in the roots convert it to a useable plant nutrient. Because of this process, nitrogen-fixing plants improve soil quality by adding nutrients back into the soil.

Fun Facts about black-eyed peas:

Cultivated since pre-historic times in China and India, they are related to the mung bean. The ancient Greeks and Romans preferred them to chickpeas.

Brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans, by earliest records in 1674.

Originally used as food for livestock, they became a staple of the slaves’ diet. During the Civil War, black-eyed peas (field peas) and corn were thus ignored by Sherman’s troops. Left behind in the fields, they became important food for the Confederate South.

In the American South, eating black-eyed peas and greens (such as collards) on New Year’s Day is considered good luck: the peas symbolize coins and the greens symbolize paper money.

They are a key ingredient in Hoppin’ John (peas, rice and pork) and part of African-American “soul food.”

Originally called mogette (French for nun). The black eye in the center of the bean (where it attaches to the pod) reminded some of a nun’s head attire.

 

Why we Eat Black Eyed Peas and Collards On New Yaw Day:

The South is a region of long-held superstitions and traditions. However, one of our longest-held traditions is that of eating black-eyed peas and collard greens in some form on New Year’s Day. In fact, this tradition is so pervasive throughout the Southeast that black-eyed peas appear in recipes as varied as Cowboy Caviar in Texas to Hoppin’ John in Alabama to peas with ham up in North Carolina.

According to legendary Southern food researcher John Egerton’s Southern Food: At Home, On the Road, In History, black-eyed peas are associated with a “mystical and mythical power to bring good luck”1 and have been a Southern staple for more than three centuries. As for collard greens, they’re green like money and will ensure you a financially prosperous new year. And isn’t that what we all want anyway?

There’s evidence that Jewish people ate black-eyed peas as a part of the holiday Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, for hundreds of years.2 But the tradition of cooking black-eyed peas with rice is African in origin. It spread throughout the South, especially in the Carolinas, in the form of pilaus or rice dishes simmered for a long time with chicken or shrimp. When black-eyed peas were added to the pilau, it became Hoppin’ John.

What To Serve With Your Black-Eyed Peas

If you serve peas with cornbread, it represents gold, and if they are stewed with tomatoes, it symbolizes wealth and health.3 Although we don’t endorse this practice, some people will even put a penny or a dime inside their pot of peas. Whoever is “lucky” enough to receive the coin will have the most luck for the rest of the year.

Recipes For Black-Eyed Peas And Collard Greens

The classic New Year’s Day pairing isn’t confined to the home either. You’ll find black-eyed peas and collards on restaurant menus and daily specials throughout the South as the New Year approaches. However, if you want practice the tradition yourself, here are a few names of our favorite recipes to try at home.

 

Classic Hoppin’ John Recipe

Hoppin’ John Soup

Hoppin’ John Stew

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Collard Greens with Garlic and Sippets

Instant Pot Collard Greens

Tia Mowry’s Braised Collard Greens

Easy Black-Eyed Peas

 

Hoppin’ John Stew

Smoky sausage plays a starring role in this hearty Hoppin’ John stew which simmers in the slow cooker until you’re ready to enjoy.

By Southern Living Editors  Published on December 17, 2018stant Pot Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Ingredients

4 (15.8-oz.) cans black-eyed peas, undrained

2 (10-oz.) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

1 (14-oz.) can beef broth

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced

1 cup water

1 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 family-size package boil-in-bag rice, uncooked (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)

 

Directions

Combine all ingredients except rice in a 6-qt. slow cooker.

Cover and cook on Low 6 hours. Cut top off boil-in-bag rice; pour rice into slow cooker, and discard bag. Stir.

Cover and cook on High 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

 

Note:

Where did the superstition of eating black-eyed peas come from?

What’s the deal with peas on New Years? – Oliver’s Markets

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved, as many traditions do, into a number of variations – but most hold the theme of luck and prosperity that harkens back to the Civil War days when people felt lucky to have black-eyed peas to eat and help them survive the cold, harsh winter

What is the folklore about black-eyed peas?

Of Southern traditions, black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day ranks right on top. Folklore tells that this tradition dates back to the Civil War when black-eyed peas were called field peas and were considered to be food for animals. (This may be how they acquired the common name ‘cowpeas’ or ‘Southern peas’.)

 

What religion eats black-eyed peas?

As a result, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s has its roots in the American South, particularly in African-American culture, but black-eyed peas have been enjoyed by people around the world for hundreds of years. In fact, they are also served for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

 

Symbolic:

 

Good Luck

According to author and food scholar Adrian Miller, eating black eyed peas on New Years Eve or New Years Day promises good luck, health, and abundance. The bean has taken the form of good fortune and has even adopted a few different aliases along the way.

What is the superstition about collard greens and black-eyed peas?

Black-eyed peas and collard greens are often a go-to dish during New Year’s celebrations because they’re said to bring luck and prosperity. The tradition has a long history; one of the first records is found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism.

 

What is the superstition about collard greens and black-eyed peas?

Black-eyed peas and collard greens are often a go-to dish during New Year’s celebrations because they’re said to bring luck and prosperity. The tradition has a long history; one of the first records is found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism.

 

Check out my other Blog on Collards

The 3 Letter Magical Name! Pie!

The Ancient Egyptians created the first example of what we know as pies today. Later on, closer to the 5th Century BC, the Ancient Greeks were believed to invent pie pastry as it is mentioned in the plays of the writer Aristophanes and it was possible to work as a pastry chef in this era, a separate trade to a baker.

Pie season is always upon us and I predict that you will be making or buying a pie sometime in the near future. There is something about this delectable dish that provokes childhood memories and many of us have no qualms about stating our opinion on what constitutes the best pie. When I think of pie, I remember my mother making me my very own chocolate cream pie every Thanksgiving because I do not like pumpkin pie (I know this is sacrilegious).

The A-Z of Food and Drink (2002) suggests that the word pie (pye) first appeared in English in the early fourteenth century, and by the middle of the century it became commonplace.  In 1378, Richard II issued an ordinance controlling pie prices in London. Even Geoffrey Chaucer mentions pie in the Cook’s Tale of his Canterbury Tales:

And he could roast and seethe and broil and fry

And make a good thick soup, and bake a pie

There have been debates on the definition of pie, especially between the United Kingdom and the United States. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary (2008) defines pie simply as “a baked dish of savory or sweet ingredients encased in or topped with pastry.” The Oxford American Dictionary of Current English (1999) defines pie as “a baked dish of fruit, meat, custard, etc., usu. with a top and base of pastry or anything resembling a pie in form (a mud pie).”  Those of us in the United States use the word ‘pie’ rather loosely to describe an open or closed (crust on top) baked dish. However, the British distinguish an open faced pie (typically filled with fruit, preserves or custard) as a tart.

ROMAN PIES

It was the Roman Empire that expanded on the covering of pies. They made a pastry of flour, oil and water to cover up their meat of choice, but it initially was not meant to be consumed with the savory inside — it was strictly added to preserve the juices. “Apicius,” a Roman cookbook though to have been written anywhere from the first century A.D. to the fifth century A.D., has many recipes that include a pie casing. The clever Romans even developed a cheesecake called “placenta,” which had a pastry base. Because of their development of roadways, Roman concoctions traveled across Europe with a vibrant trade system. So the world of pies expanded across the continent.

THE ENGLISH PERFECT PIE

However, it was Great Britain that vaulted pies to a higher level. Definitions of pie from the 1300s clearly stated it was either meat or fish covered in a pastry. Like the Romans, these coverings were meant to contain the savory food inside instead of being eaten with it. The pastry topping also served to preserve the meat or fish inside on long voyages abroad and as a space saver for ships with limited storage. This eliminated the need to bring along a cook and the live animals it would take to create the pies.

The only knock on British pies was the terminology associated with them. The word pie was spelled “pye,” which wasn’t so bad, but the pastry covering was called a “coffyn,” more frequently spelled today as “coffin.” Many pie coverings were actually a rectangular shape, thus justifying the moniker. Still, this was definitely a term you did not want to associate with such a delicious treat, but more on that later. One bad habit when serving fowl in a pastry was to leave the bird’s legs hanging outside of the covering to make it easier to pick up. This method was certainly a crude presentation not suitable for modern sensibilities.

During the era of knights in armor and damsels in England, pies became a focus at opulent banquets. It became vogue to remove the covering to showcase the inner delicacies. (Except for cases like Arya Stark’s revenge pie in “Game of Thrones”). The elaborate pies included in this period were sometimes outlandish. Imagine a huge pie that contained musicians or jesters. There were few limits to the lengths these medieval people would explore. But if you think about it, today’s stunts involve sometimes putting a person inside a large cake for birthdays and other events — even British nursery rhymes mentioned “Four and 20 blackbirds baked in a pie.” Some thought this just a tall tale, but royalty and aristocracy really would attempt to impress their guests by creating pies with live animals inside.

Geoffrey Chaucer branched out to pastries with fruit contained within. He published a recipe for apple pie long before it became synonymous with moms showcasing the wholesomeness of traditional American values. In addition to the apples, ingredients included figs, pears and raisins but did not contain any sugar. (Sounds like a healthy version of pie today, using the natural sweeteners within the fruits.)

A letter exists from a baker to Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII stating, “… hope this pasty reaches you in better condition to the last one …” showing royalty continued to indulge in the delicacies.

THE FIRST CHERRY PIE

In the middle of the 1500s, England created a new type of pie especially for Queen Elizabeth I. The very first documented cherry pie was made specifically for the queen. No mention of her reaction to the taste is recorded, but pastries continued to be a staple in England. When pie prices became too inflated for most commoners, King Richard II issued an ordinance limiting the ceiling on the cost within London’s city limits.   

Over the years, Great Britain continued to develop many types of pies. In Scotland, they have a Scotch pie (or mutton pie). As with pies with steak or kidney fillings, mutton pie is often seasoned with copious amounts of pepper. Sometimes the inside of the pie will also include potatoes, eggs, baked beans or gravy to complement the meat.

Even the British miners developed their own version of pies that catered to their surroundings underground called Cornish pasties. These were filled with beef or venison, potatoes and rutabagas or sometimes just fruit. Like in earlier days, these pasties would last a whole week, being rolled up in a paste made of flour and lard. Once baked, the hardened crust created a seal for the food inside. They were also easily tucked into a miner’s pocket until needed.

PIES IN THE US

So when did pie first travel to what would become the original 13 colonies? It may sound cliché but the first pies arrived on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims at Cape Cod in 1620. (Remember the pies made for long ship voyages?) Unfortunately, the first Thanksgiving did not mention any pie being consumed.

Tastier pies were on the horizon, as colonial America contained such sweeteners as maple syrup, cane syrup, molasses and honey collected from imported English bees. The very first American cookbook, dated 1796, contained a recipe for “Pompkin Pudding,” which was baked in a crust. Varieties of the principal ingredients included pumpkins, blueberries, pear, apple and quince. The popularity of pies along the East Coast grew, and as the country expanded west, pies went along for the ride. The fillings of the pies grew, as well, on the westward trek with cream, custard, lemons, coconuts, blackberries, strawberries and many more.

 

PIES AS WEAPONS IN THE CIVIL WAR

When the American Civil War erupted in 1861, pies were consumed across both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. And some citizens used people’s universal love of pie to wage the war.

On Sept. 12, 1861, a “free colored woman” named Mrs. Welton was arrested for selling poisoned pies to Union soldiers on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. Pittsburgh was a hotbed of poison pie incidents, as well. A resident, Mrs. Nevins, managed to dispatch her husband, a retuning soldier, via a poisoned pie. She joined another Pittsburgh woman named Grinder in garnering a sentence of death.

Arsenic and strychnine were the principle culprits put into deadly pies. However, women in the South branched out with such death-dealing pie ingredients as ground glass and diamond dust gathered from a jeweler’s floor.

Members of the 52nd Massachusetts Infantry stationed in Louisiana were particular targets of female Southerners. After the reoccupation of Baton Rouge in late December 1862, this Yankee unit accidentally burned down the state capitol building. That, combined with the haughty attitudes of the Northerners, compelled the local ladies to gain a bit of revenge on the invaders. One Bay State soldier had earlier been writing home about how much he missed his mother’s custard pie. By February, 1863, he wrote home that his “captain had forbidden them to buy any pies from these Rebel women.” A comrade had “bought one yesterday but was dead today.”

 

Even the elderly got in on the pie action. A grandmother in Plaquemine, Louisiana, across the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge, had come home to find her 12-year-old grandson murdered by the occupying Federals for making rifle cartridges at home. She set about to fight back the only way she knew how, which was to include some ground glass into pies she sold to soldiers on the streets in Baton Rouge.

Not all deadly pies were intentional: Accidents caused some of the people to pass away from eating pies. On Dec. 1, 1864, a Minnesota newspaper lamented the poisoning of seven enlisted men from eating a cracker pie. Fortunately, no one died, and it was discovered “arsenic had been used by mistake for tartaric acid.” Saleratus, the precursor to baking powder, contained some dangerous properties and when not mixed right was fatal.

THE BOSTON CREAM PIE QUESTION

A less stomach-churning controversy over pies arose back in Boston in the mid-1800s. Today, there are not many people in the United States who have not heard of the famous Boston cream pie. But each time someone thinks they have proof of its true origin, another record is found to refute the actual year the popular pie was first made.

Local legend has the pie being created in 1856. Claims have it being served for the grand opening of Boston’s Parker House. However, many cannot or will not explain the existence of the Dedham Cream Pie. Published recipes of the tasty Dedham, Massachusetts, pie come out around the same time, and one recipe for it was published in the city of Boston. The person documenting the Dedham dessert was a female physician and nurse.         

 

EMPANADAS AND CALZONES

Eventually, the pie made its way to the Americas via different European cultures. For instance, the Spanish brought over their version of the pie, the empanada. The name literally translates into “enbreaded” or “wrapped in bread.” These treats were variously filled with meat, cheese, tomatoes or corn, among other foods. Once they crossed the sea to North and South America, many empanadas were baked but subject to being fried as well.

Like a pastry, the dough is simply folded over the ingredients inside. The contents and shapes may vary dependent on where they are located, but the principle is the same. One city in Louisiana embraced these savory treats, dubbing them “Natchitoches meat pies.” They are served in restaurants or even at convenience stores right off the I-49 exit and come mild or spicy beef or filled with crawfish. Don’t despair if you live far away, as they are even frozen and sent across the United States boxed up.

The Italians followed suit with a wonderful rendition of a savory pie called a calzone. It is almost like a pizza folded over, and is popular across the U.S.

THE WAR AGAINST PIES

In the early 1900s, pies went from being used in warfare to being the focus of a war against them. As the country embarked on a nationwide health movement, pie became the focus of a smear campaign. Ladies Home Journal published two articles condemning the popular dessert, with the author, Sarah Tyson Rorer, stating: “The inside of a pie is injurious [and] pies and cakes ae indigestible.”

Since the 1950s, though, pie has returned to being the phenomenon it deserves to be treated as. The range of fillings has only increased over the years, including Key lime, potato chips and Oreos. So the next time you dig into a pie of any flavor, think about the long journey it took over centuries, oceans and continents to get to you.

Eat It

The variety and types of pies available for our eating pleasure is overwhelming.  Not only do we have the traditional savory meat pies and the sweet dessert pies, but we also have pocket pies. These handheld pies are made by folding the dough over a filling and baking. We commonly know these pocket pies as pasties, turnovers, empanadas, and calzones.

The history of the pie has its roots in ancient Egypt and Greece. The ancient Greeks ate pie (artocreas), though it was of the savory type with meat in an open pastry shell. The Romans may have been the first to create a pie that included a top and bottom crust. The 2nd Century (BCE) recipe for placenta (flat cake) in De Agri Cultura by Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the Elder) may be one of the earliest recipes for a closed pie. According to various translations, it was made by encasing a sweet thick filling of goat cheese, honey, and layers of pastry dough (tracta) with a bottom and top crust.

The increased popularity of the sweet fruit pie or tart is often credited to the folks of 16th century England. Elizabeth I was known to be fond of cherry pie. You can find recipes for fruit pies (tarts) containing cheryes (cherries) and strawberyes (strawberries) in a  Proper Newe Booke of Cokerye (1575). The Opera of Bartolomeo Scappi (1570) also contains numerous recipes for both meat and fruit crostate (pie/tart) in a chapter devoted to pastry.

 

A familiar nursery rhyme:

 

Sing a Song of Sixpence

A Pocket Full of Rye

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

Baked in a Pie

When the Pie was opened the Birds Began to Sing

Wasn’t that a Dainty Dish to set before the King

 

You may have thought this was simply a nursery rhyme:  how could one bake living birds in a pie? I discovered that royalty and the upper class, as a way to impress guests, would order their cooks to create elaborate pies which contained living animals. The recipe for Live Birds in a Pie from the Accomplisht Cook (1671) is a later example of such a recipe that contained both live birds and frogs.

By the 17th century, sweet pie and tarts had become commonplace. Browsing the cookbooks of the day you will find entire chapters dedicated to these dishes. For example, the 1694 edition of The Compleat Cook: or, the Whole Art of Cookery contains a chapter devoted to “Tarts of all lozts.” Likewise,  a chapter on “All manners of tarts” appears in William Rabisha’s The Whole Body of Cookery Dissected (1682).

 

Pie Longing

A halt came to pie’s popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th century due to the health movement. In fact pie was condemned. Articles written by Sarah Tyson Rorer, such as “Why I have no cakes and pies on my table” (1905) and “Why I oppose pies” (1900), appeared in Ladies Home Journal.  In these articles Mrs. Rorer wrote that “the inside of a pie is injurious” and “pies and cakes are indigestible.”

By the mid 20th century instant pudding mixes, canned fruit, frozen and ready pie crusts simplified pie making. Also with the use of home refrigerators, chilled pie recipes, such as Black Bottom Pie, became increasingly popular. The rapidly growing  food industry contributed recipes for pies, incorporating products such as Coca-Cola, Oreos, potato chips and Ritz crackers.  Today we are rediscovering our pie heritage and getting back to the basics of pie making. Many of us are seeking old family recipes so we can make pie just like grandma used to make.

Everyone has a pie story and we would love it if you shared yours with us.

 

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs

2 cups milk (low fat is fine)

1⁄2

1 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, melted

1⁄2 cup coconut, desiccated or finely shredded

1 cup flour

2 cup sugar

1 teaspoons vanilla

dash salt (optional)

 

DIRECTIONS

Blend all the ingredients until well mixed.

Pour into a 10″ greased pie plate.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until center feels firm.

 

This is my favorite coconut pie to make. I have even substituted Splenda for baking for the sugar in it and it turned out great. You can also add I can add crushed pineapple drained. I have used coconut milk instead of regular milk.

Dance, Drum, Community, Food, Pride………Introducing the Pow Wow 

How the Powwow Began

The modern powwow and many styles of contemporary powwow dancing have their roots in the historic warrior societies of the Southern and Northern Plains. Over time, these dances, ceremonies, and gatherings have evolved from formal, tribal-based ceremonies into modern-day intertribal celebrations of culture, dance, song, crafts, food, and pageantry.

Today powwows are held across the United States and Canada, in small towns and in big cities. These quintessential social gatherings can take place anywhere – from community dance grounds to large arenas and convention centers.

The powwow has become a way that Native American people representing all tribal backgrounds can join together to share experiences, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. It is an opportunity to reflect on time-honored traditions, while helping to educate future generations of dancers and singers.

Pow wows, by definition, are Native American gatherings in which American Indians sing, dance, reconnect with old friends and celebrate their rich ancestral histories. Often accompanied by a conference or meeting, pow wows are one of the best ways to experience traditional Native American culture. While there’s no singular hard-and-fast pow wow definition, this article provides a brief overview of the true pow wow meaning and spirit.

There are several different stories of how the gathering was started. Some believe that the pow wow originated with the War dance Societies of the Ponca and other Southern Plains Tribes.

The term “powwow” derives from Pau Wau, meaning “medicine man” in Narrtick, a language spoken by the Algonquian peoples in Massachusetts. English settlers began misusing the word to refer to the meetings of Indigenous medicine men, and later to any kind of American Indian gathering. American Indians have since reclaimed the term.

Nineteenth Century

For centuries, American Indian communities have conducted ceremonial gatherings. Modern powwows, however, derive from more recent ceremonies that began in the Plains area. In the late nineteenth century, the U.S. government seized swaths of land from the Lakota, Dakota, Blackfoot, and Ojibwa peoples in the Northern Plains and from Kiowa, Comanche, Pawnee, and Ponca peoples in the Southern Plains. This period of forced migration and upheaval resulted in great intertribal exchange and solidarity among Plains Indians.

Two intertribal traditions emerged during this period: the Drum Religion and the Grass Dance (or Helushka Society). The Drum Religion was a sacred drum ritual that fostered peace and friendship, while the Grass Dance was an adapted form of ancient warrior dances. Both emphasized the value of generosity and gift-exchange. As these were diffused throughout the Plains, other tribes amended and adapted them. They became homecoming celebrations, when families and communities separated by government removal could reunite. These were the precursors to modern powwow.

Two intertribal traditions emerged during this period: the Drum Religion and the Grass Dance (or Helushka Society). The Drum Religion was a sacred drum ritual that fostered peace and friendship, while the Grass Dance was an adapted form of ancient warrior dances. Both emphasized the value of generosity and gift-exchange. As these were diffused throughout the Plains, other tribes amended and adapted them. They became homecoming celebrations, when families and communities separated by government removal could reunite. These were the precursors to modern powwow.

Twentieth Century

The word “powwow” began to appear in newspapers in the early twentieth century, advertising “authentic” Indigenous dance shows. Some performers put on exaggerated “war dances” to entertain pioneers traveling westward. These Wild West shows became a part of popular culture as non-Native spectators became infatuated with the “traditional” Native image. They sought out powwows that boasted the presence of elders, in order to ensure an “authentic” ceremony.  

World War I and II brought warrior traditions back to the forefront of powwows, which became a place to celebrate and memorialize American Indian veterans. In the following years, the American Indian veterans organizations took an increasing role in organizing the events. Memorial Day powwows became major annual traditions, and veterans continue to be honored and celebrated at powwows.

In the 1950s, a series of Bureau of Indian Affairs programs again relocated thousands of Plains Indians to cities across the country. This mass migration created a proliferation of intertribal collaboration, akin to the intertribal alliances of the late 1800s. American Indians in urban centers created new communities and new spaces where they could connect with one another and their cultures. They founded community centers and organized powwows, sports leagues, and church events.

Many students were forced to attend government and Christian boarding schools with members of enemy tribes or groups they would have never met due to distance. During this forced assimilation, American Indian children who did not have Great Plains powwow dances in their culture learned that style of song and dance from their Great Plains classmates. They adopted the early ideology of what was to become the modern powwow.

As the culture urbanized, the number of powwows across the country exploded. Powwow circuits and traveling performance groups emerged. This period is associated with the rise of competition events in powwows.

Twenty-First Century

Today, powwows are held every weekend in the United States and abroad. They are hosted everywhere from reservations to cities, small venues to national stages, for local, intertribal, and international audiences.

Native American Pow Wow Dancing

Another belief is that when the Indian tribes were forced onto reservations the government also forced the Native Americans to have dances for the public to come and see. Before each dance, they were led through the town in a ceremony or parade, which is the beginning of the Grand Entry.

Native American Indian singers are very important figures in the gathering. Without them, there would be no dancing. The songs are of many varieties, from religious to war to social.

As various Indian tribes gathered together, they would share their songs, often changing the songs so singers of different tribes could join. With these changes came the use of “vocables” to replace the words of the old songs. Thus, some songs today are sung in “vocables” with no words, depending on the ceremony.

MALE TRADITIONAL

The outfits are an older style of dress. Men may wear a smaller style of feather bustle or bustle where the feathers hang down in the back. The beadwork is most commonly floral in the Great Lakes region, featuring tribally specific stylized versions of art and movement. Many people familiar with Pow Wows can identify the Nation and area a person is from just by looking at the outfit. 

First and foremost – dancers in this category are aiming to tell you a story. Typically it is one of a hunt, a battle, or a certain victory. Dancers utilize different movements to demonstrate the story they are telling you; crouching, tracking, aiming, dashing about and so on. Many dancers are taught to dance toward the center of the circle and tap once on the pole or shout out during this style. This is done to represent victory over an enemy or victory in the hunt they are telling you about. One stellar Men’s Traditional second song is called the Duck and Dive. Some say this style of dance came about during the First World War. Dancers listen very carefully for slow hard drumbeats bend downward in time as if to dodge artillery fire.

MEN’S GRASS DANCE

This is considered by many to be a traditional style of dance. The dance look and style comes to us from the plains. Men will usually wear an outfit with long fringes made of yarn, leather, ribbons or some sort of fiber. The dancer usually does not have a feather bustle, and the smooth movements of the dance can either be to tell a story, to mimic the movements of tall grass in the wind, or to interpret a dancer’s vision of what a particular song is saying to them.

Grass dancing was birthed from young men of the plains nations stomping down tall prairie grasses to prepare the site of a new village or site for ceremonies. Today’s Grass Dancers try to dance as smooth as possible as if they are those long prairie grasses blowing in the wind. For that kind of controlled movement, these Grass Dancers must be fit and strong. This sometimes results in some fantastic movements leaving you wondering, “How did he do that?!”

This style is known as one of the medicine dances. The fluid swaying motions represent a sense of balance with the natural order of creation. Grass Dancers are taught that the motions they do on one foot, they must do with the other foot. It is that intentional act of balanced footwork that makes the Grass Dance so spectacular to watch.

MEN’S FANCY DANCE

Two often time colorful bustles are worn on the back for this dance and can be divided into two categories, Southern and Northern. These dancers are athletes, with their dance demanding a high level of knowledge, songs, movements, and stamina. The dance is one of the most recent additions to dancing, and most often compared to the way “Rock and Roll” revolutionized the sight and sound of dancing.  This is the kind of Pow Wow dancing that spectators love. It is fast and furious. Dancers must be in top physical condition to execute the tricky footwork and acrobatic movements that make this style so exciting to watch. It’s not uncommon to see Fancy Feather dancers do cartwheels, backflips and splits in competitive dancing.  The key to being a champion Men’s Fancy dancer is keeping on the beat while making fringe and feather bustles shaking and swaying all the while twirling handheld spinners.

This dance is one of the more recent additions to Pow Wow traditions. It is believed to have originated from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows where young men would dance hard and fast to impress the crowds. Fancy Dancers are usually called on to perform Sneak-Up or Trick Songs. These extremely fast songs ruffle the drumbeat while dancers twirl about, followed by fast sections with sudden stops. It is always exciting to see the dancers interpret what the drum is doing and to see them all stay in time with the beat and stop on time. You definitely don’t want to miss this category!

WOMEN’S TRADITIONAL DANCE

Many of the designs in this category of dancer are tribally specific, and while many of the patterns used are inherited, many times great creativity is given to produce moving works of art on the regalia. Moccasins usually reflect the specific tribal heritage of a dancer, as well as the inspired beadwork and ribbon work. These women will usually dance in place or appear to “walk” to the timing of a song.

It looks easy enough, but when wearing regalia upwards of 40 lbs, the deep knee bends of a Women’s Traditional Dancer require a lot of leg strength, good balance, and breath control. Scrubbing is a stationary dance style. Dancers bounce in place along in time with the drum turning ever so slightly. Some say scrubbing is the original women’s style of Pow Wow dance. When scrubbing the dancers are trying to keep those fringe tips snapping just right. Walking style is when the dancers travel around the circle in deep knee bends, taking small steps forward. Dancers who use the walking style want to look smooth, controlled and elegant as their fringe sways in time to the drum. They sometimes recognize the strong beats of the drum, called honor beats, by either leaning forward or lifting their fan in the air – depending on what nation they come from.

WOMEN’S JINGLE DANCE

Women that dance in this mode are easily distinguishable from the other dancers by the way their dresses are made. Spectators can see the dance jingles, or rolled metal cones that are sewn onto the dress. The cones move against each other making a unique sound. The dress originates from the Ojibwa people and has spiritual significance and origin. Many tribes have adopted the general ideas of the dress and incorporated their own interpretations into the patterns.

This healing dance comes from the Anishinabek people of Whitefish Bay where a young girl was gravely ill. One of the men received a dream where he saw the dresses, songs, and dances that needed to be done for her. Women in the community made the dresses, drummers learned the song and some women were shown the steps to carry out what was given in the dream. As the dancers went around this young girl she started to recover and by the end of the night, she was healed and up dancing with the women.

Today there are two kinds of competitive Jingle Dances; contemporary and old style. Contemporary dancers use complex but gentle footwork making the dance look effortless. They wear soft eagle plumes in their hair and raise eagle tail fans during honor beats to ‘lift up’ the prayers of the people. Old style jingle dancers don’t wear eagle feathers or sparkly materials to pay respect to the original intention of the dance. They are taught to always keep one foot touching the ground to show our connection to the earth and lift their hands during honor beats to raise the prayers of the people.

WOMEN’S SHAWL DANCE

Otherwise known by other names such as “Graceful Shawl” or “Shawl Dance”, this is another recent addition to the Pow Wow scene. The movements are very athletic and songs can be just as fast as the men’s fancy dance. Many people say that the movements are to reflect the beating wings of birds or even the butterfly. The Shawl is generally worn over the shoulders and has patterns that can be simple to complex, showing amazing artwork by accomplished artisans. Beadwork in the outfits is usually matching and reflects on the hours of work gone into creating a unique look for each dancer.

Like Jingle, there are Contemporary and Old Style Fancy Shawl dancers. Contemporary shawl dancers are spinning, kicking, twirling, leaping and traveling as fast and as furious as the men’s fancy dancers, but light on their feet. The goal is to look as if you are floating about the dance arena and barely ever touch the ground. Old style dancers are still quick on their feet, but there is usually less spinning involved. The focus is to marry intricate footwork with smooth shawling to make for a seamless performance.

Pow wows have changed over the years. However, they are still gatherings where Indian people can share part of their tribal traditions and culture. But they should not be confused with other tribal customs and ceremonies that are not performed or shared in public gatherings. 

Pow wows have changed over the years. However, they are still gatherings where Indian people can share part of their tribal traditions and culture.

A Day To Talk About: December 21^st!

 

Let’s talk about December 21, as some consider it the most magical time of the year.  Lots of wedding and engagements happen on this day of the year.

 

Dec. 21: The Winter Solstice Explained:

For northern latitudes, the solstice marks the beginning of winter, but ancient Sky Watchers didn’t understand the sun’s migration, fearing it could disappear forever as it dipped below the horizon.

At 6:12 a.m. EST on Friday (Dec. 21), the sun will reach a point where it will appear to shine farthest to the south of the equator, over the Tropic of Capricorn, thus marking the moment of the winter solstice — the beginning of winter.

Since June 20, the altitude of the midday sun has been lowering as its direct rays have been gradually migrating to the south.

The sun’s altitude above the horizon at noontime is 47 degrees lower now, compared to six months ago.  Your clenched fist held at arm’s length measures roughly 10 degrees, so the sun at midday is now nearly “five fists” lower in the southern sky compared to on June 21.

The ancient Sky Watchers had no understanding of the sun’s migration; they thought this celestial machinery might break down someday, and the sun would continue southward, never to return. As such, the lowering of the sun was cause for fear and wonder.

As “armistice” is defined as a staying of the action of arms, “solstice” is a staying of the sun’s apparent motion over the latitudes of the Earth. At the summer solstice, the sun stops its northward motion and begins heading south.

At the winter solstice, it turns north. Technically, at one minute past the moment of the solstice, the sun has turned around and started north. It will cross the equator at the vernal equinox, passing into the Northern Hemisphere on March 20, at 7:02 a.m. EDT.  [Top 10 Winter Sky Targets for Sky watchers]

When the ancients saw the sun stop and slowly climb to a higher midday location, people rejoiced; here was a promise that spring would return. Most cultures had winter solstice celebrations and some adapted it to other events. In Persia, the solstice marked the birthday of Mithra, the Sun King.

In ancient times, Dec. 25 was the date of the lavish Roman festival of Saturnalia, a sort of bacchanalian thanksgiving. Saturnalia was celebrated around the time of the winter solstice. And in 275 A.D., the Roman Emperor Aurelian commemorated a feast day coinciding with the winter solstice: Die Natalis Invicti Solis (“The birthday of the Unconquered Sun”).

Among the many varied customs linked with this special season for thousands of years, the exchanging of gifts is almost universal. Mother Nature herself offers the sky observer in north temperate latitudes the two gifts of long nights and a sky more transparent than usual.

One reason for the clarity of a winter’s night is that cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air can. Hence, on many nights in the summer, the warm moisture-laden atmosphere causes the sky to appear hazier. By day it is a milky, washed-out blue, which in winter becomes a richer, deeper and darker shade of blue. For us in northern climes, this only adds more luster to that part of the sky containing the beautiful wintertime constellations.

Indeed, the brilliant stars and constellations that now adorn our evening sky, such as Sirius, Orion, Capella, Taurus, and many others, plus as an added bonus this winter season of the planet Jupiter, all seem like Nature’s holiday decorations to commemorate the winter solstice and enlighten the long cold nights of winter.

 

Winter Solstice:

The word solstice comes from the Latin sol “sun,” and sistere “to stand still.” So, loosely translated, it means “sun stands still.” Why? The Sun’s path across the sky appears to freeze for a few days before and after the solstice. The change in its noontime elevation is so slight that the Sun’s path seems to stay the same or stand still.

The day after the winter solstice, the Sun’s path begins to advance northward again, eventually reaching its most northerly point on the day of the summer solstice.

Then, as summer advances toward winter, the points on the horizon where the Sun rises and sets advance southward each day; the high point in the Sun’s daily path across the sky, which occurs at local noon, also moves southward each day. It’s a never-ending cycle!

 

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. Is it also the coldest?

The day of the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, which means that it’s the day in which we experience the least amount of daylight. Logically, it would make sense to assume that this is also the coldest day of the year since we are exposed to less warmth-giving sunlight on this day than at any other time. But this is not true.

Many factors affect the temperature of a location on any given day, including altitude, snow cover, and large-scale weather patterns. Snow cover, for example, partially blocks solar radiation from being absorbed by the Earth, which results in less heat being released and an overall drop in temperature. Because of these factors, it’s impossible to point to the same date year after year and call it the coldest day.

In the United States, the coldest days of the year tend to occur between mid-December and late January, so while it’s certainly possible that the coldest day of the year could also be the day of the winter solstice, that’s not usually the case!

 

Is the Winter Solstice really the start of winter?

There is not a black-and-white answer to this question—it depends on which definition of “winter” you follow:

Astronomical winter begins at the winter solstice and ends at the spring equinox. Astronomical seasons are based on the position of Earth in relation to the Sun.

Meteorological winter (in the Northern Hemisphere) starts on December 1 and ends on February 28 (or 29). Meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle and climatological patterns observed on Earth.

Because an almanac is traditionally defined as a “calendar of the heavens,” it follow the astronomical definition of the seasons, which states that each of the four seasons starts on a solstice or equinox.

However, that doesn’t mean that the meteorological definition is incorrect. It is important for meteorologists to be able to compare climatological statistics for a particular season from one year to the next—for agriculture, commerce, and a variety of other purposes. Thus, meteorologists break the seasons down into groupings of three months. Meteorological winter starts on December 1 and includes December, January, and February.

Did you know? For the ancient Celts, the calendar was based around the solstices and equinoxes, marking the Quarter Days, with the mid-points called Cross-Quarter Days.

 

The Magic of December 21:

The Solstice is also the start of a new season depending on where in the world you live, and a new season always brings a transition of energy.

The winter solstice is celebrated by many people around the world as the beginning of the return of the sun, and darkness turning into light. The Talmud recognizes the winter solstice as “Tekufat Tevet.” In China, the Dongzhi Festival is celebrated on the Winter Solstice by families getting together and eating special festive food.

Until the 16th century, the winter months were a time of famine in northern Europe. Most cattle were slaughtered so that they wouldn’t have to be fed during the winter, making the solstice a time when fresh meat was plentiful. Most celebrations of the winter solstice in Europe involved merriment and feasting. In pre-Christian Scandinavia, the Feast of Juul, or Yule, lasted for 12 days celebrating the rebirth of the sun and giving rise to the custom of burning a Yule log.

In ancient Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated at the Feast of Saturnalia, to honor Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty. Lasting about a week, Saturnalia was characterized by feasting, debauchery and gift-giving. With Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, many of these customs were later absorbed into Christmas celebrations.

Saturnalia was a pagan festival celebrated on the December Solstice, and was meant to be reminiscent of the Golden Age- a time where there was peace on Earth and Saturn was our Sun.

The December Solstice was chosen for this day as it was said to signify a “return to the light.”

 

 

The Solstice is a time where the veil between dimensions is thin. It is also a time where we are more open and connected with the energies of the Earth. Hence the magic! 

Surprise!  Native American Food Helped Today’s Menu! Order Please!

From acorn bread to fry bread, succotash to beef stew, Native American cuisine has been a staple in homes across America for centuries.

Today, these traditional dishes are still consumed in homes and restaurants throughout the country, some stick to the classic recipes, and some put a modern twist on the old favorites. Many staples in our daily diets, like tomatoes, wild rice, and peanuts are often credited to the Europeans, when in fact the Indigenous people of the Americas are to thank for it.

Depending on the region and tribe, the food varies quite a bit. Different tribes had to cater their menus with the foods native to their regions back in the day. Today, traditional meals are still enjoyed and prepared all over the country.

Keep reading to learn a bit about the different tribes, and which Native American foods are known to them.

Southeast

One of the main staples of the southern diet, corn, came from the Southeast Native American tribes.

Still today, much of the food consumed in the south got its roots from the Native Americans. We can thank them for cornbread, grits, and whiskey. While our cornbread and grits may taste a bit different today, the inspiration behind the dishes dates back centuries. The Southeast Native Americans were mainly hunters and gatherers for smaller animals like rabbits and turkeys. The Southeast of the United States is quite warm and was ideal for farming. Crops like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, tobacco, peppers, and cotton were among the most common. They incorporated these foods with their hunted meat to create their main dishes.

Southwest

From Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado the southwest, tribes coming from the present-day Four Corners area of the United States, relied heavily on agriculture. Commonly known as Ancestral Pueblans, they are famous for their pottery, basket weaving, and clay pot cooking. Corn (maize), beans, squash, and sunflower seeds are the most common ingredients in their dishes.

They were also sure to utilize their local pinyon pine trees for pine nuts. For their meat sources, they relied heavily on hunting game, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Most of the time they would cook the meat on an open fire or in hand-crafted tools, which are variations of our modern-day cooking ware.

Northeast

The Northeast is today commonly referred to as the New England region of the United States. One thing to remember about this region is the drastic change in seasons.

Famous for having harsh winters and hot summers, the Native Americans in this area had to cater their diets to the current season. Many Native Americans farmed in this area, mostly corn, beans, and squash, also known as “the three sisters.”

Do you like maple syrup over your pancakes or how about maple sugar candy?

The Native Americas from the Northeast to thank for these tasty treats we still eat today. Although they most likely didn’t sweeten their waffles with syrup, they mainly used it season vegetables, fish, game, and grains. The Northeast is also cranberry heaven; the Native Americans used to grow the berries and eat them dried or mixed into different dishes. Sometimes they would even use them raw to flavor their drinking water.

Plains

In the plains region, Native Americans relied on a very meat-heavy diet. They hunted turkeys, ducks, deer, buffalo, elk, and bison for their families. Berries and other dried fruits were also often consumed. Usually, berries would be consumed raw while they did cook the meat into various stews and savory dishes. Pumpkins, herbs, and root vegetables were also heavily used in this region.

Northwest

Native Americans from what is now known as the Northwest region of the United States, relied heavily on salmon, other kinds of fish, and seafood as their primary source of protein. Mushrooms and berries were also abundant in their area, so they used the berries to sweeten their bread and desserts.

They were primarily hunter-gatherers, and their warmer climate made it easier to rely on year-round food supplies. For other sources of protein, they hunted deer, duck, and rabbit and made various stews from the game meat. Only during the summer were they able to dry meat, so dried deer and rabbit meat were often consumed during the warmer months. To make loaves of bread, cakes, and other baked goods, the tribes from the Northwest region would grind acorns down into a flour.

How did Native Americans influence modern cuisine?

Do you love a good turkey dinner with all the fixings?

How about cornbread, cranberries, blueberries, and grits? While these may only be consumed during the holiday seasons in the United States, we do have to give credit to the Native Americans for this food.

Without the Native Americans, we would not have the same corn, beans, squash, wild rice, avocados, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and even chocolate. Today, many Native American families will serve fry bread at their social gatherings, and it’s a commonly known staple in the south. In the last decade, people have been health-conscious than ever before.

While quinoa and spirulina may sound like new foods to you, the Native Americas have been eating them for centuries. Today, they are known as ‘superfoods’ or foods with an ample amount of nutrients. Quinoa has the highest protein content of any grain, and some tribes even used the leaves of the plant in soups and stews. Back in the day, they would also toast and grind up the quinoa seeds to make it into bread. The Native Americans bread, cultivated and domesticated some of the many plant species we still use to today in our daily lives. These crops originating from the Americas are now everyday staples in diets worldwide.

Can you imagine a world without vanilla, potatoes, or peppers?

Without Native Americans, we would not be able to enjoy so many of the favorite foods we have today.

It might not be surprising to know that the “first Thanksgiving” didn’t resemble what we were often taught in school. There was likely no stuffing, turkey, or pumpkin pie. But there was definitely no shortage of options, as Native Americans marked celebratory meals with plenty of fish, produce, and wild rice. Want a fully Indigenous-inspired Thanksgiving meal? Pair our whole roasted trout with roasted turnips, fried cornbread, and wild rice pudding for dessert.

Indigenous Americans originated many classic dishes that just might surprise you too, like fried green tomatoes, succotash, and tamales. Did you know? Grilling salmon on cedar planks also has roots in tribes of the Pacific Northwest, where salmon is revered as a sacred food to tribes all across the region.

Succotash

Tribes across the country enjoyed this super nutritious dish long before more folks relied on it as a cheap meal in the Great Depression.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. fresh or dry lima beans

3 cups fresh corn cut from cob

4 to 6 wild or pearl onions

2 Tbsps. melted bacon fat

2 pieces smoked ham hock

3 quarts water

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Soak dry beans for three to four hours to soften. Drain and add to a pot of boiling water. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, then add corn, ham hocks, salt and pepper, and onions.

Reduce the heat and cook on low for one hour.

This is an excellent side dish for the holidays or anytime.  May even be eaten with a piece of cornbread as a meal.  I love this.  It is one of my favorite recipes and it is totally Native American

 

ABC It is Easy As 1,2,3……May I present our Calendar? December Is Our Star! 

Have you ever wondered, “How did the months of the year get their names?” The months’ names reflect a mix of gods, goddesses, rulers, and numbers. Discover how our calendar developed into what it is today.

How Our Calendar Came to Be

The Ancient Roman Calendar

Today, we follow the Gregorian calendar, but it’s based on the ancient Roman calendar, believed to be invented by Romulus, who served as the first king of Rome around 753 BC.

The Roman calendar, a complicated lunar calendar, had 12 months like our current calendar, but only 10 of the months had formal names. Basically, winter was a “dead” period when the government and military weren’t active, so they only had names for the time we think of as March through December.

March (Martius) was named for Mars, the god of war, because this was the month when active military campaigns resumed. May (Maius) and June (Junius) were also named for goddesses: Maia and Juno. April (Aprilis) is thought to stem from the Latin aperio, meaning “to open”—a reference to the opening buds of springtime. The rest of the months were numbered; their original names in Latin meant the fifth (Quintilis), sixth (Sextilis), seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) month.

Eventually, January (Januarius) and February (Februarius) were added to the end of the year, giving all 12 months proper names. January was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. February’s name is believed to stem from Februa, an ancient festival dedicated to ritual springtime cleaning and washing.

Julian Calendar Updates

When Julius Caesar became Pontifex Maximus, he reformed the Roman calendar so that the 12 months were based on Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. It was a solar calendar, as we have today. January and February were moved to the front of the year, and leap years were introduced to keep the calendar year lined up with the solar year.

The winter months (January and February) remained a time of reflection, peace, new beginnings, and purification. After Caesar’s death, the month Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, and later, Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Roman Emperor Augustus in 8 BC.

Of course, all the renaming and reorganizing meant that some of the months’ names no longer agreed with their position in the calendar (September to December, for example). Later emperors tried to name various months after themselves, but those changes did not outlive them!

Today’s Gregorian Calendar

Quite a bit later, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced many reforms to the Julian calendar, as there were still some inaccuracies and adjustments to be made. Mainly, the Julian calendar had overestimated the time it took the Earth to orbit the Sun, so the Gregorian calendar shortened the calendar year from 365.25 days to 365.2425 days. This meant that the calendar could be more easily corrected by leap years and that the dates of the equinoxes and solstices—and thus, the date of Easter—once again lined up with their observed dates.

Origins of the Months’ Names

JANUARY

Named for the Roman god Janus, protector of gates and doorways. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other into the future. In ancient Roman times, the gates of the temple of Janus were open in times of war and closed in times of peace.

FEBRUARY

From the Latin word februa, “to cleanse.” The Roman calendar month of Februarius was named for Februalia, a festival of purification and atonement that took place during this period.

MARCH

Named for the Roman god of war, Mars. This was the time of year to resume military campaigns that had been interrupted by winter. March was also a time of many festivals, presumably in preparation for the campaigning season.

APRIL

From the Latin word aperio, “to open (bud),” plants begin to grow in this month. In essence, this month was viewed as spring’s renewal.

MAY

Named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants. Also, from the Latin word maiores, “elders,” who were celebrated during this month. Maia was considered a nurturer and an earth goddess, which may explain the connection with this springtime month. 

JUNE

Named for the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women. Also, from the Latin word juvenis, “young people.”

JULY

Named to honor Roman dictator Julius Caesar (100 B.C.– 44 B.C.) after his death. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar made one of his most significant contributions to history: With the help of Sosigenes, he developed the Julian calendar, the precursor to the Gregorian calendar we use today.

Named to honor the first Roman emperor (and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.– A.D. 14). Augustus (the first Roman emperor) comes from the Latin word “augustus,” meaning venerable, noble, and majestic.

SEPTEMBER

September comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven,” because it was the seventh month of the early Roman calendar.

OCTOBER

In the ancient Roman calendar, October was the name of the eighth month of the year. Its name comes from octo, the Latin word for “eight.” When the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, they tried to rename this month after various Roman emperors, but October’s name stuck!

In Old England, the month was called Winmonath, which means “wine month,” for this was the time of year when wine was made. The English also called it Winterfylleth, or “Winter Full Moon.” They considered this full Moon to be the start of winter. In weather lore, we note, “If October brings heavy frosts and winds, then will January and February be mild.”

NOVEMBER

From the Latin word novem, “nine,” this had been the ninth month of the early Roman calendar.

DECEMBER

From the Latin word decem, “ten,” this had been the tenth month of the early Roman calendar.

More Information On December

In ancient Rome, the calendar had only ten months and a total of 304 days. The year would start in March, which was considered the beginning of spring. March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. This was followed by April, May, and so on until December.

During the reign of King Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, the calendar was revised to include two additional months at the beginning of the year. This change was made to align the calendar with the lunar cycles and to account for the winter period, which was previously unaccounted for.

The months of January and February were added, with January becoming the first month of the year. January was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. February, on the other hand, was named after the Latin word ‘februum’, which means purification. It was a month dedicated to religious rituals and cleansing.

With the addition of January and February, December was pushed to the twelfth and final month of the year. Despite these changes, the name ‘December’ has prevailed throughout history, maintaining its significance as the month that brings the year to a close.

December holds a special place in many cultures and religions around the world. In the northern hemisphere, it marks the beginning of winter, with shorter days and colder temperatures. It is a time when people gather with their loved ones to celebrate various holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Christmas, in particular, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in December. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed by Christians worldwide. The holiday is marked by festive decorations, gift-giving, and special religious services.

In addition to religious holidays, December also brings about a sense of reflection and anticipation for the upcoming year. Many people take the time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and make resolutions for self-improvement.

December is also a month filled with cultural traditions and festivities. In some countries, such as Mexico, the celebration of Las Posadas takes place throughout the month. It eenacts Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem and involves processions, music, and food.

In Scandinavian countries, the celebration of St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th is a significant event. It honors St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, and is marked by processions of girls wearing white robes and candles on their heads.

Furthermore, December is a time when many people engage in acts of charity and giving. The holiday season often inspires individuals to donate to charitable organizations, volunteer their time, and help those in need.

Overall, December is a month that holds historical, cultural, and religious significance. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and giving. As the final month of the year, it symbolizes the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, making it a truly special time for people around the world.

The Etymology of December

The etymology of December traces back to the Roman word ‘decem’, which directly translates to ‘ten’. This word reflects the month’s original placement within the Roman calendar. The roots of the name highlight the evolving nature of calendars and the significance they hold in shaping our perceptions of time.

December, the twelfth and final month of the Gregorian calendar, has a rich history that goes beyond its etymology. It is a month filled with festivities, celebrations, and a sense of closure as the year comes to an end.

In ancient Rome, December marked the beginning of the winter season. The Romans believed that during this month, the god Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, reigned supreme. They celebrated the festival of Saturnalia, a week-long event filled with feasting, gift-giving, and revelry. It was a time when social norms were temporarily suspended, and people indulged in merriment and freedom.

As the Roman Empire expanded, December became a month of great significance in various cultures. In medieval Europe, it was a time of preparation for the upcoming winter months. People would gather supplies, stock up on food, and ensure their homes were well-insulated to withstand the harsh weather.

December also holds religious importance for many. It is a time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, which falls on the 25th of December. The holiday season brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill.

Furthermore, December is a month of reflection and introspection. As the year draws to a close, many individuals take the opportunity to evaluate their accomplishments, set goals for the future, and express gratitude for the experiences and challenges they have faced throughout the year.

December is also a time when nature undergoes significant changes. In the Northern Hemisphere, the days become shorter, and the temperatures drop, marking the official arrival of winter. Snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere, December brings the arrival of summer, with longer days and warmer weather.

As we delve into the etymology of December, we discover a month that encompasses a multitude of cultural, religious, and natural elements. It is a time of celebration, reflection, and transition. The name itself serves as a reminder of the ancient Roman roots of our modern calendar and the enduring influence of history on our daily lives.

The Linguistic Roots of December

Beyond Latin, the linguistic origins of December can be found in various other languages. For example, in Spanish, December is called ‘diciembre’, while in French, it is known as ‘décembre’. These linguistic connections demonstrate how the name has permeated different cultures and languages throughout history.

As we delve deeper into the linguistic roots of December, we discover fascinating connections that span across continents and centuries. The name ‘December’ finds its origins in the Latin word ‘decem’, meaning ‘ten’. This is because December was originally the tenth month in the ancient Roman calendar.

Interestingly, the shift from December being the tenth month to the twelfth month in our modern calendar can be traced back to the reforms made by Julius Caesar. In 45 BCE, he introduced the Julian calendar, which added two additional months, January and February, at the beginning of the year. This adjustment pushed December to its current position as the twelfth month.

As the Roman Empire expanded its influence, so did the Latin language. Latin became the lingua franca of the Western world, and with it, the name ‘December’ spread to various regions. The Roman conquest of Gaul, for instance, brought Latin to what is now modern-day France. This is why in French, December is known as ‘décembre’, a direct reflection of its Latin roots.

Similarly, the Roman Empire’s conquest of Hispania, which comprises present-day Spain and Portugal, introduced Latin to the Iberian Peninsula. The Spanish name for December, ‘diciembre’, is a testament to the lasting impact of Latin on the Spanish language.

It is fascinating to observe how the name ‘December’ has evolved and adapted as it traveled across different cultures and languages. In each region, it took on a unique phonetic form while still retaining its essence. This linguistic phenomenon highlights the interconnectedness of human history and the enduring influence of ancient civilizations.

Furthermore, the significance of December extends beyond its linguistic origins. It is a month that holds great cultural and religious significance for many communities around the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the beginning of winter, a season associated with festivities, traditions, and celebrations.

One of the most widely recognized celebrations in December is Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. Christmas is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, with various customs and rituals that vary from country to country. From decorating Christmas trees to exchanging gifts, the holiday season in December brings joy and togetherness.

In addition to Christmas, December is also home to other important holidays and observances. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that usually falls in December. During this time, families light the menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods.

Moreover, December is a month of reflection and anticipation as the year draws to a close. It is a time for setting goals, making resolutions, and looking forward to the possibilities that the coming year holds.

So, as we explore the linguistic roots of December, we uncover a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition. From its Latin origins to its diverse manifestations in different languages, December is a month that bridges the past and the present, connecting us to our shared human heritage.

December in the Roman Calendar

The Roman calendar, as mentioned earlier, positioned December as the tenth month. However, understanding December’s place in this calendar requires a closer examination of its historical context.

The Early Roman Calendar and December

In the early period of the Roman calendar, which had ten months, December was considered the final month of the year. However, it only consisted of 30 days, highlighting the need for the calendar’s later modifications.

December’s Position in the Julian Calendar

With the introduction of the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar, December retained its position as the twelfth month. It was given 31 days to align the calendar more closely with the solar year. The Julian calendar laid the foundation for the calendar system used by many Western societies today.

December in Different Cultures

December’s significance extends beyond the Roman calendar. This month holds cultural importance in various societies worldwide. 

December in the Gregorian Calendar

In the Gregorian calendar, December maintains its place as the twelfth and final month of the year. This calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, sought to correct the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar in relation to the solar year. As a result, December 31st marks the end of the year and is often celebrated with festivities and reflection.

December in Non-Western Cultures

While December holds prominence in Western cultures, it is essential to acknowledge that non-Western cultures have their own unique ways of marking this month. For example, in many East Asian countries, December is associated with the celebration of the Winter Solstice, a time when families gather to honor ancestors and eat traditional foods.

The Significance of December in History

The historical events that have occurred during December have shaped the course of human history and left lasting impressions on society.

Historical Events in December

December is often marked by significant historical milestones. From the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 to the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903, December has been a witness to various groundbreaking achievements.

December in Religious Traditions

December holds profound religious significance in many traditions. For instance, Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Additionally, Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, typically falls in December, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.

Modern Interpretations of December

Beyond historical context, December has found its place in contemporary culture and is subject to modern interpretations.

December in Popular Culture

December is often depicted in popular culture as a month of joy and festivities. It is associated with holiday decorations, family gatherings, and reflections on the past year. Movies, songs, and literature often capture the essence of December, further contributing to its cultural significance.

Symbolism and Associations of December

December is often associated with themes such as winter, snow, and holiday cheer. It symbolizes the transition from one year to the next and offers a time for introspection and planning for the future. The symbolism attached to December varies across cultures, but common themes of renewal and hope prevail.

As we explore the origin of the name December and its complete history, we uncover a tapestry woven with cultural, historical, and linguistic threads. Whether it’s marked by winter solstice celebrations, historical milestones, or contemporary festivities, December continues to hold a special place in our hearts and calendars. It serves as a reminder of the passage of time, the significance of tradition, and the potential for new beginnings.

December’s Birthstones

The winter blues have nothing on December’s birthstones: tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise.

All three of December’s birthstones are best known for their beautiful shades of blue. These gemstones range from the oldest on Earth to one of the first mined and used in jewelry, to one of the most recently discovered.

December’s birthstones are relatively inexpensive, but their beauty rivals even precious gemstones. Colorless zircon is a convincing replacement for diamond, tanzanite often substitutes sapphire, and turquoise is unmatched in its hue of robin’s egg blue.

So there you have it my friends……December!