A PAGAN CHRISTMAS
part 6
NATIVITY SCENE vs YULE ALTAR
For Christians around the world, the most important aspect of their decorations is their Nativity Scene. A visual display of the depiction of the 'Story of the birth of Jesus Christ'. The Nativity scenes can be made from wood, plastic, ceramic or even stuffed felt and generally have the same pieces:
- stable
- star
- angels
- shepherds
- Mary
- Joseph
- baby Jesus
- Magi
- animals
- hay
Elaborate scenes can have motion, lights and music and are displayed prominently in the home or on the front lawn. (larger scale) Of course, the best Nativity Scenes are the ones that are 'live' in nature. Many churches perform live scenes during Advent (the time frame leading to Christmas Eve) to teach the story to new Christians and in hopes of converting the non Christians.
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| Living nativity at St. Wojciech Church, Wyszków, Poland, 2006 |
- Red, green or gold Altar Cloth
- Evergreen boughs
- White candles
- A single pillar candle of either red, gold, orange or yellow
- mini lights (solid color is preferred but multi-colored strands are fine as well)
- Holly leaves and berries
- Laurel leaves
- A cauldron
- Oranges, lemons, grapefruit (any citrus will work for symbol of life)
- Cinnamon sticks or essential oil (I like using both)
- Whole nutmeg
- Myrrh incense (Christian overlap)
- Pine cones, symbolic animals (stuffed animals, plastic, wooden are fine)
The components for the Yule Altar are to depict life being reborn. A request for blessings from the Goddess and the cauldron is to represent the womb of the great Mother. The Altar can even be used as the focal point of the room. Adorned with
other decorations to make it look even more festive. Mead (honey wine), mulled cider or wine is used for toasting and blessing.
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| Sample Yule Altar with Stag |
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