In the days between Yule and Christmas, I'm thinking about all the personal or family Traditions I associate with this time of year. As I've mentioned before now, it was my family's Tradition that we put the Christmas tree and decorations up during the weekend prior to Christmas. We were also scrupulously careful to make sure they all came down and were neatly packed away on Twelfth Night - it's supposed to be unlucky to leave them up after that.
When T and I were married, we had a Tradition of enjoying a special feast on Christmas Eve - smoked salmon, caviar, oysters, avocado and king prawn salad, crusty bread and an indulgent dessert, accompanied by a bottle of champagne. It was the only time of year we ate such a luxurious spread, but we did it without fail every Christmas Eve. I'm not quite sure where the Tradition came from, except that it was something we did on our first Christmas Eve together, enjoyed and decided to keep doing every year!
I should say here that I don't think something has to have originated way back in the mists of time to be considered a Tradition. After all even the most ancient of Traditions was a new idea once. The only thing necessary for something to become a Tradition is repetition. Then again, it is really something special when a Tradition becomes so established that it is passed along to others, or down the generations within a family.
One inter-generational Tradition that was passed to me was that of 'First Footing' on New Years Eve. My maternal grandmother was of Scottish ancestry and this Hogmanay custom was very important to her. As a tall, dark-haired man, my Dad was called upon to step outside the door just before midnight on New Year's Eve. Then as soon as the clock had struck twelve, he'd knock on the door and be admitted back into the house, carrying with him a piece of coal and a glass of whisky, symbolically bringing luck and plenty into the house.
Winter Blessings and Beauties, Day 52:
Winter Traditions
What winter family Traditions have you inherited? Do you still follow them? Have you passed them along?
How do you feel about the Winter Traditions that you hold? How does continuing them make you feel? Are there any you would like to drop? What stops you from doing so? If they no longer serve you, think about leaving them behind. Consider starting new Traditions that better reflect you and your life. Which Traditions continue to hold meaning for you? How will you carry them forward? With whom will you share them?
1 comment:
I think traditions are so very important for us, it gives us a sense of community and identity. I am doing my blog post later today and will mention some of our traditions.
Wishing you a very happy Yule :)
Post a Comment