The Yule Log – A Tanka
Happy Winter Solstice!
Welcome to my contribution for my weekly Tanka challenge. This week, I tweaked the prompt words: “warm = warmth and cheer = cheery.” Both words have many connotations and can change the meaning of your Tanka poetry in many ways. By the way, please link your Tanka to my post found here.
My husband and I decided to initiate a new tradition this year. We are celebrating the Winter Solstice in place of Christmas!
A few months ago, my brother in law had his DNA analyzed. The results were astounding! My husband’s family scored high for a Viking heritage. We were not surprised because they are all rather tall folks. My husband is 6 ft. 7 in., his brother 6 ft. 4 in., and his sister is 6 ft. tall! Let’s just say that the weekly television show called, The Vikings took on new meaning in our household. 😀
Image credit: Giphy.com
It seemed fitting to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Christmas had lost meaning for us through the years after the kids moved away. I did some research and found a great site that explains the tradition. Click here to learn more about a Winter Solstice Tradition. I also talk about my plans for our celebration on Mindful Monday on A Mindful Journeysite.wordpress.com, my other blog.
The cheery Yule log –
flames burn to honor the sun,
spreading warmth and light.
Our token good luck ashes
protection for the next year.
©2016 Colleen M. Chesebro
However, you celebrate the season, may you find peace and joy. Hugs!
A very nice tanka for today, Colleen, and what a lovely photo to go with!
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Thanks, Erika. Happy Solstice and the beginning of the new solar year! 🦄🎄❤
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It’s Christmas in the fairies’ world!
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The Solstice feels so right to me, Erika. It has none of the trappings from Christmas’ past. It’s all our own. ❤
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It is a powerful ceremony. And I think that acutally Christmas is a modification of it!
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Yes, I was quite moved this morning. I did my meditation and lit my candles and incense to greet the sunrise. It was perfect. ❤
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Wow, even that gives me goosebumps!
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It was amazing. I did the right thing. ❤
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You feel it, Colleen 💖
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Happy Yule Colleen. Coming from Orkney I’m very happy that you have Viking genes. Skal x
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Thanks, Adele. Those genes belong to my sweet husband. I’m going to send off for my DNA analysis. I should come back Russian/German. Happy Solstice! 🎄❤
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Happy Yuletide and peace new year x
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Thanks, Adele. My husband and I were laughing… I guess we’re Buddhist Pagans now. LOL! ❤🎄
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Very apt. I hope they don’t get up to the same goings on as in the series… Mind you, it makes for good watching. Have a lovely time and enjoy the winter solstice.
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LOL! In their younger years they might have acted like Vikings! 😁 Thank you. We just lit our candles and incense. My meditation was successful. I felt the old hurts slip away. We have our stew in the crockpot. I have the bread and Yule cake to back for our celebration dinner. It’s a wonderful day. ❤🎄
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Happy Winter Solstice, Colleen 🙂
I haven’t celebrated Christmas since I lived in Denmark either.
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The Solstice feels right, you might find it as fulfilling. Breaking old traditions for the new is enlightening. Many hugs to you, Irene. 💖🎄
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I think, you are right Colleen and thank you ❤
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Brilliant!
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Thanks, Dorna! Happy Solstice! 🎄💖
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Your Tanka is beautiful Colleen, and Happy Winter Solstice.
Greetings, Norma
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Thanks, Norma! Happy Solstice and many Christmas hugs coming your way. ❤
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Wonderful! Awesome! Cool! I know that you’ll be having a groovy YULE! ❤
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The beef stew is cooking, the homemade bread is cooling, and the cake is frosted! Happy Solstice, Annette! ❤
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Happy Solstice, Colleen! ❤
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Your Yule Log Tanka warmed me up, as did the entire post. Happy Solstice! ❤
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Happy Solstice! I’m glad you stopped by. ❤
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Wonderful celebration of the Winter solstice to honor your husband’s Viking heritage. I love your Tanka and the burning logs. ❤
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Thanks, Viva. This holiday celebration was perfect for us! 💖🎄
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I just started getting into that show Viking. Awesome find on that DNA search. I’ve been thinking about doing it myself:)
I love you tanka:)
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Thanks. We loved celebrating The Solstice! It was a fabulous time. 😘❤🎄
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