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Review and photos by: Janel Spiegel
Event Review: Winter Solstice and Yule Celebration
Wednesday, December, 2022, starting at 7:00PM
Gallows Hill Spirits Co.
2208 South 12th Street
Allentown, PA 18103
It’s December 22nd as I write this article. I did not have to write about this event but I felt like I wanted to share my experience. I wanted to share this experience with everyone. It’s also almost 2023. It will be another year, and a new start. You may be asking, what is Winter Solstice and Yule?
Winter Solstice is “the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the winter solstice, which occurs on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 4:48 P.M. EST.” (Courtesy of Almanac.com). Winter solstice is also the shortest day of the year but the days get longer until summer solstice (We do love the sunshine.)
What is Yule? “Yule is one of the winter celebrations in the world.” Today, “Yule” and “Yuletide” are largely synonymous with “Christmas” and “Christmastide,” but the meaning behind Yule is quite different from that of the Christian holiday.
The word “Yule” comes from Old English geol, which shares a history with the equivalent word from Old Norse, jól. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. After the solstice—the shortest day of the year—the days once again begin to grow longer, so it’s thought that Yule was a celebration of the re-appearance of the Sun and the fertile land’s rebirth.” (Again, courtesy of Almanac.com)
Tonight’s celebration was hosted by Reverend Bea, Korie Urban, and Stephanie Reigle Beddiges. The celebration was beautiful. Reverend Bea had set up an alter to host Winter Solstice and Yule. It was complete with a make shift yule log burning on her laptop (safety first always), and her own warm and comfy blanket. Reverend Bea started out, by explaining Winter Solstice, and Yule. She shared a story that involved Krampus, and Krampus did make an appearance at Gallows. Krampus was in search of all who were “Naughty.” It was an honor to be a part of this ceremony, this celebration of the “Return of the Light”.
Reverend Bea shared a beautiful story that she wrote. People listened, and gathered around like everyone was just sitting by a camp fire sharing great stories, and having drinks. The atmosphere felt comfortable and alive. You felt embraced, encapsulated in a hug that you didn’t want to let go of. If you have never been to Gallows, I would suggest visiting, and doing the tour. Bob Piano is the owner, and Bob is a direct descendant of Samuel Wardwell. Samuel was accused of witchcraft.
To quote a friend, it’s a magical group of people. You feel comfortable and happy. The holidays are not easy for some people but the love and the warmth felt from everyone tonight, certainly filled the air with exuberant energy. Reverend Bea puts her entire heart and soul into what she does. I listened to her tell the stories and she is animated, and gets into everything. She decorated everything beautifully. So many people brought cookies, and snacks. Jeff and Jennifer Donchez own Yin-Yang Sweets & Treats. They brought Snicker Doodle cookies, and more. They were part of the Sip & Shop at Gallows. They made incredible cupcakes, if you need cupcakes for an event. Check out https://www.facebook.com/yysweets/
It was a great celebration, and people had fun, they shared stories, drinks, and laughed. That’s what matters in life. Happy Winter Solstice, and Yule. Happy and Merry Everything. Celebrate life and being with one another.
https://gallowshillspirits.com/
https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-winter-winter-solstice
“May Your Nightmares Inspire You.”
