Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, is a celebration of the return of the sun and the rebirth of nature. It is a time to embrace the magic of winter and the darker months. For those with a witchy inclination, Yule offers plenty of opportunities to infuse their homes with mystical and enchanting accents. One of the most popular ways to decorate for Yule is by using evergreen branches and wreaths. Evergreens symbolize eternal life and the persistence of nature even in the coldest of months. These can be adorned with ribbons, pine cones, and other natural elements to add a touch of Yule magic.
"[Fairy tales] feel like they're people, almost. I love the notion that a fairy tale is something that can exist in multiple places, or that it moves from place to place and it changes clothes depending on the culture in which it finds itself and it changes its priorities," Nguyen said.
Nguyen was also drawn to fairy tales because of their commonalities across cultures, and that it highlights that storytelling is a universal, communal phenomenon. Nguyen was also drawn to fairy tales because of their commonalities across cultures, and that it highlights that storytelling is a universal, communal phenomenon.
These can be adorned with ribbons, pine cones, and other natural elements to add a touch of Yule magic. Candles are an essential part of Yule decorations. They represent the returning light and can be placed in windowsills, on altars, or around the home.
THE MAGIC FISH
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones.
While Tiến is fluent in English, his Vietnamese refugee parents are not, leaving them struggling at times for a shared language.
Tiến’s mom, Hiền, asks him to read aloud the fairy tales he checks out from the library; they both love them, and she can use them to practice English. When Tiến selects “Tattercoats,” his seamstress mother tells him that there is a Vietnamese version that her own mother told her, long ago. As he reads the story of love, longing, and travel across a sea, Hiền is reminded of family she left behind in Vietnam while Tiến tries to navigate his own first love, a boy he is friends with. Le Nguyen’s gorgeous, flowing, detailed illustrations deftly weave Vietnamese and Western fairy-tale worlds together with Hiền’s memory of her past and Tiến’s struggle over coming out. The rich color palette highlights both the layers within each panel as well as serving as a road map for readers by indicating whether the panels are set in the present, the past, or within the fairy tale. This clever use of color smooths the way for the sophisticated embedding of stories within a story that highlights the complex dynamics between first-generation and second-generation family members. Warm, loving family and friends are a refreshing alternative to immigrant stories that focus on family problems.
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones. (author’s note, notes about the illustrations, bonus artwork) (Fiction. 13-17)
Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-12529-8
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones.
Choose candles in colors that resonate with the season, such as deep reds, royal blues, and sparkling golds. The flickering flames create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for Yule festivities. Crystals also play a significant role in witchy Yule accents. Clear quartz, amethyst, and citrine are particularly popular during this time. These stones can be placed on altars, in windowsills, or carried with you to harness their energies. Clear quartz is believed to amplify intentions, amethyst promotes spiritual growth, and citrine brings abundance and joy. Incorporating natural elements into your Yule decorations is another way to connect with the energy of the season. Pine cones, acorns, and sprigs of holly can be used in wreaths, centerpieces, or simply scattered around your space. These elements not only add a rustic and earthy touch but also represent the resilience of nature during the dark months. Symbols of the sun and the goddess are also significant during Yule. The yule log, representing the rebirth of the sun, can be carved with symbols and burned in a fireplace or a fire pit. Additionally, representations of the goddess, such as statues or artwork, can be displayed as a reminder of the divine feminine energy during this time. Lastly, don't forget to infuse your space with scents that evoke the spirit of Yule. Cinnamon, clove, frankincense, and myrrh are all associated with the season and can be used in candles, incense, or essential oils. By incorporating these witchy Yule accents into your home, you can create a magical atmosphere that celebrates the return of light and the enchantment of the winter season..
Reviews for "Witchy Yule Decor: Incorporating Witchcraft into your Holiday Accents"
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