Dear Ones:
As we approach yet another set of Holidays and Holy Days, I send you greetings for the very special celebration of your traditions and best wishes!
Happy Hannukah
Merry Solstice
Joyful Christmas
Blessed Kwanzaa
Festive 3 Kings Day
Abundant New Year
A challenging year for many, 2011, comes to a close with all of its triumphs and trials. There has been loss along with blessings-the yin and yang and polarities expressed teaching us to honor opposites as part of the landscape of your human beingness. Each year's demarcation gives us pause to consider how we wish to approach new emerging energies. Though in truth each day is a blessing, seasonal times of celebration remind us poignantly of the short stay here in our body suit.
As we enter 2012 may we all realize some of our fondest dreams and be privileged to Walk in Beauty. May Gratitude be our daily prayer and acknowledgement as we indeed have food on the table, roofs over our heads, seasons to grow by, family and friends to care, and the proverbial rainbows of promise to light any dark corners of our consciousness (saw a beauty yesterday arched over the Catalinas).
May Peace and Loving Kindness Prevail!
Here is a little sharing on Wassail and Christmastide Traditions:
"Wassail" "Drinkhail" or mulled spice
The term wassail derives from the Old Norse" ves heil" and translates to "be in good health" or "be fortunate". It had its origins in the 10th century as a common social greeting that was adopted by the Danish-speaking inhabitants of England and eventually evolved into a drinking toast by the English. The phrase became a frequently used salute to warriors before and after battle. By the 16th century the practice of peddling bowls of wassail in the streets of England was common and eventually merged with the holiday celebrations of Christmastide. At Christmas time, bands of roving wassailers would sing to the lord of the manor in exchange for the ritual drink. Historically the one leading the toast would say "Wassail", which was responded to with "Drinkhail". Wassail was historically made from mulled cider, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and topped with slices of toast. Current day recipes may have a base of cider, wine, or mulled ale with slices of oranges or apples floated in the mix.
With Love and Thanks!
Amari
Amari Magdalena, Author
Beyond the Four Agreements
Last edited by lindabaker on Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:21 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : spacing of text)
