Pagan Yule tchotchkes are artisanal decorations that are used to celebrate the Pagan holiday of Yule, which traditionally marks the winter solstice. Yule is a festive time of year for Pagans and is often seen as a celebration of the returning light and the promise of new beginnings. While tchotchkes may seem like small, insignificant trinkets, they hold great meaning and significance during this time. One of the main characteristics of Pagan Yule tchotchkes is their connection to nature and the elements. Many decorations are made from natural materials such as wood, pine cones, and holly. These materials symbolize the rebirth and renewal that is associated with the winter solstice.
However, I do think that there’s something better than both those options. Go somewhere with people you care about. If that’s actually the people who you are related to, great! Find a Thanksgiving that will bring you happiness. Go somewhere you will laugh with actual humor and not that fake forced thing that happens when you do not feel loved or seen as a person. Or better yet, host a Friendsgiving. This is something my husband and I have done for years. We put out an offer for any friends who don’t have someplace to go and invite any relatives that would like to come. It makes for a fun and lively bunch of people with a weird mix of traditions and stories. One year there was a menorah made out of Legos. One year we had five stuffings. Let Thanksgiving be the time when you take the stranger into your house and show them hospitality, which is, after all, a druidic virtue.
I do think that means we need to be supportive and respectful of indigenous peoples, especially the ones native to this continent many of us call home. When they were younger I printed out copies of old photos on my printer and let the kids cut up the images and tape them up so we wouldn t ruin the originals.
These materials symbolize the rebirth and renewal that is associated with the winter solstice. Additionally, many tchotchkes feature images of animals that are significant in Pagan traditions, such as deer or owls, which are seen as messengers of spirit. Another important aspect of Pagan Yule tchotchkes is their use in rituals and ceremonies.
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Samhain is for ancestors, right? Why bother with it at Thanksgiving? Well, as a pagan parent I have some news for you: Samhain has another name, and the name is CANDY. Trying to balance the deep seated childhood drive to wear costumes and collect the freely given sugar goods with genuine veneration of those who have come before us can be difficult at best. I’ve joked with a lot of pagans that Halloween is Pagan Christmas. It’s a busy time. In my community we almost always have big Halloween parties for the adults, as well as costumes for the kids, visits to the grandparents for trick or treating events throughout the month, the Zoo Boo, not to mention the actual religiosity of the season with big Samhain rituals to plan for both adults and kids. It doesn’t actually leave a lot of time for building an ancestor shrine or talking to my kids about their own personal dead relatives. So a couple of years ago I came up with an idea.
During October I focus on modern Halloween. We do costumes and candy, decorate the whole house with skulls and dead things. It’s awesome, and is it’s own version of Samhain. After the big candy-fest I switch gears like a pagan Martha Stewart Pro, tucking away the bats and glittery ravens decorating the house. You don’t have glittery cardboard ravens? You should. They’re awesome.
That’s when I set up my ancestors altar. I get out the photos and the tchotchkes: a teacup from Buckie Scotland and one from Poland, my great grandmother’s rolling pin and if I have room, my grandmother’s wedding dress. I let the kids look at all the things. When they were younger I printed out copies of old photos on my printer and let the kids cut up the images and tape them up so we wouldn’t ruin the originals. We give them daily offerings for the weeks between Samhain and Thanksgiving, allowing them some special, uninterrupted, family time.
On turkey day we make a plate up for the ancestors and give them a glass of wine too. It’s actually a really cool conversation starter with relatives because they often will tell stories I don’t remember anymore. Ancestors blend with a day that is supposed to be about family. After that, I allow the fat man and his green and red decorating scheme to sneak out of the basement and start to emerge into the household, but only after the ancestors get their time.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Hill
These decorations are often incorporated into Yule altars, which are sacred spaces that are set up to honor the seasonal changes and give thanks for the blessings of the year. Tchotchkes may be placed on the altar to represent different aspects of the holiday, such as candles to symbolize the returning light or a miniature figurine of the Holly King, a Pagan deity associated with winter. In addition to their spiritual significance, Pagan Yule tchotchkes are also cherished for their aesthetic appeal. Many of these decorations are handcrafted and unique, adding a personal touch to holiday festivities. They may include intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic motifs that capture the essence of the season. Tchotchkes might be hung from the Yule tree or displayed in windows to bring joy and beauty to the home during the dark winter months. Overall, Pagan Yule tchotchkes are much more than just cute decorations. They hold deep meaning and allow Pagans to express their spiritual beliefs in a tangible way. These trinkets connect individuals to nature, symbolize important aspects of the holiday, and bring beauty and joy to the home. So next time you see a Pagan Yule tchotchke, remember the rich traditions and symbolism that it represents..
Reviews for "Expand Your Collection of Pagan Yule Tchotchkes with These Unique Finds"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Pagan Yule Tchotchkes I purchased. The quality was extremely poor and the craftsmanship was shoddy at best. The pieces were flimsy and didn't feel substantial in any way. Additionally, the colors looked faded and dull, not at all like the vibrant pictures depicted online. Overall, I felt like I wasted my money on these tchotchkes and would not recommend them to anyone in search of quality pagan decor for their Yule celebrations.
2. James - 1 star
The Pagan Yule Tchotchkes I ordered were a complete letdown. The delivery took forever and when I finally received them, I was appalled by their condition. The items were poorly packaged and arrived broken or damaged. Even the intact pieces looked cheap and plasticky. The designs were also much smaller in person than they appeared online. I couldn't believe I spent money on these subpar tchotchkes, and I won't make that mistake again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Pagan Yule Tchotchkes, but they failed to meet my expectations. The customer service was lackluster, with delayed responses and unhelpful replies. The items themselves were mediocre at best - the colors didn't match the pictures online, and some of the pieces were chipped. The overall quality felt cheap, and I regret spending my money on these tchotchkes. I would suggest looking elsewhere for pagan Yule decorations.