News: Elves called upon for Yuletide Feast: Heathen Freehold Society

Elves called upon for Yuletide Feast

Gulf Islands Driftwood, Nov. 23 2005

The Freehold Society is organizing its fourth annual Yuletide feast, to be held at Beaver Point Hall Saturday, December 17, and is putting out the call for volunteer elves. The Freehold's family oriented midwinter feast is its most popular event, according to society spokesman Dan Miller.

Perhaps the most famous of Nordic holy days, Yule is the ancient celebration of winter solstice that predates the introduction of Christianity into Northwest Europe. Observed by all the Germanic tribes, including the Old Norse, Angles, Saxons, Franks, Normans and others, Yule is a sacred time of hospitality and generosity according to the old pagan religion. The early Church could not altogether stop the celebration of Yuletide, an ancient folk-tradition, but it succeeded in adapting many seasonal customs in its celebration of Christ's Nativity.

The Freehold Society is dedicated to the revival of the ancient folk-religion of the Nordic tribes. The society has held special events to mark the old seasonal holy days, including the Viking parade held last May Day in Ganges, for the last four years.

Father Yule, the original Santa, and his team of elves, will be making an appearance again this year. "Last year was Father Yule's first visit," said Miller, "For the kids it was magic!"

Volunteer elves and contributors are still needed to help with the Freehold's Yule Feast on December 17. The Freehold also welcomes the participation of local entertainers and performance artists. "Yule is a time when every individual can give a gift back to the community, whatever one's skill or talent," explained Miller.

For more information, email contact@bc-freehold.org