The ancient amulet series is a collection of books that takes readers on an exciting journey through history and adventure. Each book in the series focuses on a different ancient amulet and the story behind it. From Egyptian pyramids to Mayan temples, readers are transported to various locations around the world as they uncover the secrets and mysteries of these powerful artifacts. The main characters of the series are a group of young explorers who stumble upon the first amulet, setting off a chain of events that will challenge them mentally and physically. As they travel from one place to another, they must solve puzzles, unravel cryptic clues, and face dangerous obstacles. Along the way, they learn about different cultures and historical events, making the series both educational and entertaining.
During the time of these ancient celebrations both December and January were called Guili or “Yule”, and it was when this magical log was burned, one could count on a return of both light and heat from the sun’s rays.
A walk through the aisles of a grocery store during the holiday season is always filled with delectable treats centered around various Christmas traditions. In some cultures, burning of the Yule log indicated a time when servants would get a break from their household duties and could participate in the festivities for as long as the Yule log would burn.
Along the way, they learn about different cultures and historical events, making the series both educational and entertaining. What sets the ancient amulet series apart is its emphasis on the significance of amulets in ancient civilizations. Each amulet holds a unique power or ability, often playing a crucial role in the plot.
Christmas Log: How An Ancient Pagan Solstice Ritual got to be a log on your dinner table
A walk through the aisles of a grocery store during the holiday season is always filled with delectable treats centered around various Christmas traditions. One such item that has always intrigued me has been the Yule Log. A log. That you eat. Why in the Charles Dickens would you want to eat a log? Well, it turns out this tradition dates back thousands of years and here’s what it’s all about…
The Yule Log tradition appeared thousands of years ago in ancient Celtic/Scandinavian/Germanic tribes celebrating the Winter Solstice. They would find a giant tree trunk and set it on fire on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This pagan tradition was to celebrate re-birth and these ancient people thought by burning certain types of trees such as elm, oak, beech and cherry trees it would help bring about mystical good luck in the days to come after the solstice.
During the time of these ancient celebrations both December and January were called Guili or “Yule”, and it was when this magical log was burned, one could count on a return of both light and heat from the sun’s rays.
Like most pagan traditions, they were quashed when Christianity took over, but then adopted by Christianity to fit into the agenda of the Catholic Church. The Yule Log celebration was no exception and in the 12th century the ceremony became Christian-ified with families hauling home huge logs with the youngest sibling riding it home, who brought good fortune and luck for the coming season. Once home, the medieval families would burn the massive log to bring positive future outcomes for all that were present.
The tradition carried on through the centuries and in the 1800’s the Yule log was recorded in “Christmas Observances” by J.B. Partridge with the following ritual as the proper way to celebrate the Yule Log:
•The Yule log is brought in, and is at once put on the hearth.
•It is unlucky to have to light it again after it has once been started, and it ought not go out until it has burned away.
•To sit around the Yule log and tell ghost stories is a great thing to do on this night, also card-playing.
•Just before supper on Christmas Eve while the Yule log is burning, all other lights are put out, and the candles are lighted from the Yule log by the youngest person present. While they are being lighted, all are silent and wish. The wish must not be told, but you see if you get it during the year. As soon as the candles are on the table, silence may be broken. They must be allowed to burn themselves out, and no other lights may be lighted that night.
Bringing in the traditional Yule Log.
As time moved on, large log burning fireplaces in the family home gave way to smaller hearths and so the Yule Logs got smaller. Then as we moved into the 20th century, fireplaces were replaced by furnaces and stoves, requiring the tradition to adapt once again. This time a smaller Yule Log was placed on the dinner table and candles places on top of the log surrounded by candies and treats that were handed out on Christmas Eve.
Soon the traditional real wooden table log was replaced by a cake log, which is our current incarnation of this ancient pagan ritual. The cake log is usually covered in chocolate icing and scraped with a fork to resemble the tree bark.
One of the last places to celebrate the real Yule Log was in Quebec so it is no surprise that most Yule Log cakes are produced by Quebec companies such as Vachon, who continue the tradition with their own version of the Yule Log that you see in the grocery store aisles. Both Dairy Queen and Baskin Robbins also offer Yule Logs as ice cream logs that probably should not be lit on fire.
Vachon still makes a Yule Log cake during the Christmas season available at your grocers. (Image: Vachon.com)
So there you have it, the history of the Yule Log, once an ancient pagan tradition of setting fire to a giant log to worship the sun that has now evolved into a cake you eat and wash down with a glass of egg nog…egg nog…now there’s another story…what is nog?
Merry Christmas!
The series explores the beliefs and superstitions surrounding these talismans, shedding light on the cultural and spiritual practices of bygone eras. The author of the ancient amulet series, Jane Parker, has meticulously researched each amulet and its historical context, ensuring that the details are accurate and authentic. Her vivid descriptions transport readers back in time, allowing them to visualize the ancient world and experience it alongside the characters. Throughout the series, Parker skillfully weaves together elements of history, mythology, and fantasy. This blend of genres creates a captivating narrative that appeals to readers of all ages. The fast-paced plot keeps readers engaged, while the well-developed characters provide emotional depth and relatability. The ancient amulet series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure, mystery, and history. It offers a unique perspective on ancient civilizations and their artifacts, combining education and entertainment seamlessly. Whether you are a fan of archaeological thrillers or simply enjoy a good adventure story, the ancient amulet series is sure to captivate and inspire..
Reviews for "The Language of Stones: Understanding the Materiality of the Amulet Series"
1. John - 1 star - I found "The ancient amulet series" to be a complete disappointment. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their journeys. The plot was predictable and lacked any real excitement or suspense. Overall, it felt like a generic and uninspired fantasy series that failed to deliver on its promises.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The ancient amulet series" but was ultimately let down. The writing style was dull and lacked the descriptive language necessary to bring the world and its inhabitants to life. The pacing was slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Overall, it was a lackluster series that failed to captivate me.
3. Mark - 1 star - "The ancient amulet series" was an absolute bore. The world-building was weak, leaving me confused about the rules and dynamics of the fantasy realm. The author relied too heavily on clichés and tropes, making the story feel unoriginal and uninspired. The story lacked a cohesive plot, with random events and encounters that seemed to serve no purpose. Overall, I was deeply disappointed with this series and would not recommend it to anyone.
4. Emily - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "The ancient amulet series" as it failed to hold my attention. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of monotony followed by rushed climactic moments. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with their struggles and motivations. The world-building felt half-hearted, leaving many unanswered questions. Overall, it was a forgettable series that failed to leave a lasting impression.
5. Alex - 1 star - "The ancient amulet series" was a letdown from start to finish. The writing style was amateurish, with clunky sentences and awkward phrasing. The plot was poorly executed, with numerous plot holes and inconsistencies. The dialogue was stilted and lacked believability. Overall, it was a poorly crafted series that failed to live up to its potential.