Let’s Celebrate: A Holiday Origins Podcast

Let's Celebrate: Yule/Winter Solstice

This episode we are celebrating Jul or Yule. The ancient pagan winter festival that currently corresponds to our modern day Christmas and the winter solstice. The CeLibation for this episode is a Traditional Swedish GloggFor this CeLibation you need: 1 bottle of red wine1 cinnamon sticks1 tsp cardamom1 tsp ginger ½ orange zest6 whole cloves½ orange peel, hollowed out½ cup rum½ cup sugaroptional: 1/2 cup blanched whole almonds½ cup raisinsTo make a mocktail/alcohol free glogg you can either replace the red wine with an alcohol free red wine or a mixture of about 500 ml of pomegranate juice and 250 ml of apple juice, and omit the rum. (***Fire warning, be very careful. don’t do this around flammable things.don’t say i didn’t warn you.***) 1. Put the cinnamon stick, cardamom, ginger, and cloves in a mesh bag or cheesecloth.2. If you are using the almonds and raisins Place them in a pot and pour the bottle of wine or juice over it and add the satchel of spices, turn heat to med-low3. Cut an orange or mandarin in half, remove the orange sections and leave the peel intact to make a little cup. Place it on top of a small fireproof glass to keep it stable and pour the rum inside the orange peel. Set the rum on fire. Once the fire is going well, slowly sprinkle the sugar over the flames to let the sugar caramelize, I added a little cinnamon to my sugar for a little pyrotechnics show for my own amusement.4. Once you’ve added all the sugar, add the flaming mixture into the caldron. I actually used both halves of the mandarin and did this step in 2 parts. Pouring the flaming mixture is the dangerous part of this recipe, so be sure to do this away from anything flammable, especially yourself. Please don’t burn your house or yourself trying to make this recipe. You can also set the alcohol on fire inside a fire proof container that is deep enough that the liquid and fire won’t spill out5. Don’t let it reach a boil, keep it at a low simmer for approx 5-10 mins to let the flavors meld together. Keep warm on a very low heat.Serve in a mug with a few of the almonds and raisins at the bottom of the mug. This is a quintessential winter cocktail. With the traditional warming spices and the red wine, it’s guaranteed to warm you this holiday season.References:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5cf13a3790353a0001051a77/t/674dfbe8676dad6c86986f11/1733164008411/10+Ways+to+Rest+and+Restore.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yulehttps://www.ameyacohen.com/yulebundle?mc_cid=7498def295&mc_eid=100d500f10https://blogs.transparent.com/swedish/swedish-jul-a-christian-tradition-with-pagan-roots/https://www.bivrost.com/jul-a-nordic-christmas-pt-1-the-ancient-sun-feast/https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/yule-day-of-winter-solsticehttps://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/qy6omkl21xbdjj0m8b1b2eh6361uif?ss_source=sscampaigns&ss_campaign_id=6759ba47e4a67e508f55e127&ss_email_id=675aecc1548d23453bbc58aa&ss_campaign_name=New+Yule+Printable+and+a+new+hobby&ss_campaign_sent_date=2024-12-12T14%3A02%3A45Z

Let's Celebrate: Samhain AKA Halloween

In this episode we are celebrating Samhain, the last of the 3 harvest festivals in the wheel of the year, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. This holiday is more modernly refered to as Halloween. Listen to learn more about the history, it's evolution, and how you can incorporate old traditions into your new celebrations. The CeLibation for this episode is a Pomegranate Daiquiri in honor of Persephone's descent into the underworld. * 2 oz coconut rum * 1 oz red vermouth * 1 oz pomegranate juice Shake, strain into glass For the mocktail option: * 2 oz. coconut water * 2 oz. pomegranate juice Shake with ice, strain into martini glass References: Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween by  ⁠David J. Skal⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/David-J-Skal/e/B000AP9IFI/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1] https://www.amazon.com/Death-Makes-Holiday-Cultural-Halloween/dp/158234230X ⁠https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhain⁠ [https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhain] ⁠https://www.babyquip.com/blog/spooky-history-of-halloween?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Search-International-Mexico_Generic&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CjwKCAjw-KipBhBtEiwAWjgwrDX3cvhql2Now9oCTQLXNBm3T59lxEuWNW9eoDscKICCwZ8KBURBPhoC7ekQAvD_BwE⁠ [https://www.babyquip.com/blog/spooky-history-of-halloween?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Search-International-Mexico_Generic&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CjwKCAjw-KipBhBtEiwAWjgwrDX3cvhql2Now9oCTQLXNBm3T59lxEuWNW9eoDscKICCwZ8KBURBPhoC7ekQAvD_BwE] ⁠https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/#:~:text=Yet%2C%20the%20Halloween%20holiday%20has,costumes%20to%20ward%20off%20ghosts⁠ [https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/#:~:text=Yet%2C%20the%20Halloween%20holiday%20has,costumes%20to%20ward%20off%20ghosts]. ⁠https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween⁠ [https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween] ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween] ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain] ⁠https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/⁠ [https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/] ⁠https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween⁠ [https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-we-celebrate-halloween]⁠https://celticranch.com/blogs/celtic-culture/lughnasa#:~:text=Lughnasa%20is%20the%20first%20of,all%20%E2%80%93%20Samhain%20on%20October%2031⁠ [https://celticranch.com/blogs/celtic-culture/lughnasa#:~:text=Lughnasa%20is%20the%20first%20of,all%20%E2%80%93%20Samhain%20on%20October%2031].

Let's Celebrate! Mabon: The Autumnal Equinox Festival

In this episode we're diving into the Autumnal Equinox Festival modernly known as Mabon. It may or may not be as ancient as some people believe. Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the 2nd harvest festival of the year. The CeLibation for this episode is a Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini * 3 oz. strong coffee or espresso * 2 oz. milk of choice * 1 oz. pumpkin spice simple syrup * shot of vodka or rum * ice shake all ingredients together and strain into glass. For a mocktail version omit the alcohol for an iced pumpkin spice latte. You can always strain it into a martini glass as well to feel more festive. References: https://www.juliebatchos.com/resources/2022920-6zx4wxytf3b5a5y0tknd8nq3gum6lr [https://www.juliebatchos.com/resources/2022920-6zx4wxytf3b5a5y0tknd8nq3gum6lr] https://mysticbrilliance.com/how-to-celebrate-mabon/ [https://mysticbrilliance.com/how-to-celebrate-mabon/] https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/celebrating-mabon/ [https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/celebrating-mabon/] https://dailydish.co.uk/a-mabon-celebration-rituals-blessings/ [https://dailydish.co.uk/a-mabon-celebration-rituals-blessings/] https://greenwitchfarm.com/mabon-celebrate-harvest/ [https://greenwitchfarm.com/mabon-celebrate-harvest/] https://www.ohmterra.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mabon [https://www.ohmterra.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mabon]

Let's Celebrate: Lughnasadh and Lammas

Welcome to this episode where we're diving into the vibrant celebration of Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas. This is the 1st of the 3 harvest festivals of the Wheel of the Year holidays. Lughnasadh marks the first of the three harvest festivals in the Wheel of the Year holidays, a time-honored tradition that connects us to the cycles of nature and the bounty of the Earth. Listen now to learn more about this celebration, it's history and traditions, and how you can celebrate Lughnasadh in 2024. The CeLibation for this episode is  A Honey Basil Gimlet For this celibation you need: * ½ oz Honey Basil Syrup (Blend together 1 cup basil leaves, ½ cup water, ½ cup honey, and a pinch of sea salt and strain) * 2 oz. gin * 1 oz. lime juice * ice  Add gin, lime juice and syrup to ice in a shaker. Shake, strain, and enjoy. ***For a mocktail, replace the gin with sparkling water.*** References: https://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/how-to-celebrate-lughnasadh/ [https://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/how-to-celebrate-lughnasadh/] https://www.mabonhouse.co/lughnasadh [https://www.mabonhouse.co/lughnasadh] https://www.zoryawellness.com/post/lammas-pagan-holiday-how-to-celebrate-lammas-10-simple-ideas [https://www.zoryawellness.com/post/lammas-pagan-holiday-how-to-celebrate-lammas-10-simple-ideas] https://magickalspot.com/lammas/ [https://magickalspot.com/lammas/] https://www.thewholesomewitch.com/lammas-lughnasadh-activities/ [https://www.thewholesomewitch.com/lammas-lughnasadh-activities/] https://ravynwood.com/celebrating-lammas/ [https://ravynwood.com/celebrating-lammas/] https://morella-ulalume.com/celebrating-lammas-lughnasadh/ [https://morella-ulalume.com/celebrating-lammas-lughnasadh/] https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days [https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days] https://bycagla.com/lammas-celebration/ [https://bycagla.com/lammas-celebration/] https://nationaltoday.com/lughnasadh/ [https://nationaltoday.com/lughnasadh/] https://druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/lughnasadh [https://druidry.org/druid-way/teaching-and-practice/druid-festivals/lughnasadh] https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lughnasadh [https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Lughnasadh] https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/lughnasa-celtic-festival-traditions [https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/lughnasa-celtic-festival-traditions] https://www.vercida.com/uk/articles/celebrating-lughnasadh [https://www.vercida.com/uk/articles/celebrating-lughnasadh] https://youtu.be/ygEQB4V_GTU [https://youtu.be/ygEQB4V_GTU] https://steemit.com/food/@sangeeta/lunastain-bread [https://steemit.com/food/@sangeeta/lunastain-bread] http://www.crystalwind.ca/find-your-way/neopagan-path/tools-of-the-craft/how-to-make-corn-dollies [http://www.crystalwind.ca/find-your-way/neopagan-path/tools-of-the-craft/how-to-make-corn-dollies] https://nationaltoday.com/lammas-day/ [https://nationaltoday.com/lammas-day/] https://www.almanac.com/fact/lammas-day-from-the-old-english-holiday [https://www.almanac.com/fact/lammas-day-from-the-old-english-holiday] https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-lammas-lughnasad/ [https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-lammas-lughnasad/] https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=462 [https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=462] http://www.annafranklin.co.uk/page48.html [http://www.annafranklin.co.uk/page48.html] https://www.thenational.scot/news/19511595.burrymans-day-people-south-queensferry-mark/ [https://www.thenational.scot/news/19511595.burrymans-day-people-south-queensferry-mark/]

Let's Celebrate: Litha/Summer Solstice/Midsummer

In this episode, we’re celebrating the Summer Solstice AKA Midsummer or Litha! Listen to learn more. The CeLibation for this episode is a Plum Rum CeLibation * 2 oz Rum * ½ oz Agave syrup * Juice from half a lime  * Juice from half an orange * 2 ripe plum, pitted with skin * 1 oz water Add all ingredients to blender, strain over ice in a champagne coupe.  For a mocktail, omit the rum and add 2 more oz of water, you can still pour it into a champagne coupe so you feel extra fancy.  Resources:  https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice [https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice] https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/strawberry.html [https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/strawberry.html] https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days [https://www.almanac.com/quarter-days-and-cross-quarter-days] https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-litha/ [https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-litha/] https://www.mabonhouse.co/litha [https://www.mabonhouse.co/litha] https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/litha-traditions-and-rituals [https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/litha-traditions-and-rituals] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/history-of-summer-solstice-traditions [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/history-of-summer-solstice-traditions] https://thebusypagan.com/pagan-holidays/litha/ [https://thebusypagan.com/pagan-holidays/litha/] https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/a-history-of-litha-and-midsummers-night [https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/a-history-of-litha-and-midsummers-night] https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/a-history-of-litha-and-midsummers-night [https://www.mabonhouse.co/new-blog/a-history-of-litha-and-midsummers-night] https://www.cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com/our-blog/2023/06/09-litha-celebrating-radiance-midsummer [https://www.cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com/our-blog/2023/06/09-litha-celebrating-radiance-midsummer] https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/strawberry-moon/ [https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/strawberry-moon/] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly_King_and_Oak_King [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly_King_and_Oak_King] https://www.britishcouncil.cn/en/shakespearelives/science/lovepotions#:~:text=One%20of%20Shakespeare's%20most%20famous,wild%20pansy%20(Viola%20tricola) [https://www.britishcouncil.cn/en/shakespearelives/science/lovepotions#:~:text=One%20of%20Shakespeare's%20most%20famous,wild%20pansy%20(Viola%20tricola)]. https://www.tribal-wisdom.org/page/1025/soltstice-traditions#:~:text=Traditionally%2C%20Midsummer%20is%20celebrated%20with,day%20in%20the%20solar%20calendar [https://www.tribal-wisdom.org/page/1025/soltstice-traditions#:~:text=Traditionally%2C%20Midsummer%20is%20celebrated%20with,day%20in%20the%20solar%20calendar]. https://www.guidememalta.com/en/experience-the-amazing-equinox-phenomena-at-hagar-qim-mnajdra-temples [https://www.guidememalta.com/en/experience-the-amazing-equinox-phenomena-at-hagar-qim-mnajdra-temples] https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/a-prehistoric-native-american-pictograph-that-signals-the-summer-solstice/viewer [https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/a-prehistoric-native-american-pictograph-that-signals-the-summer-solstice/viewer]