Selviergard Celebrates Yule

“The season of joy and mirth for all,

With sounding cheers throughout the hall

Old years celebrated and new years hailed

For Selviergard memories of Yule regaled”

-from Sharp Pointy Teeth and Other Tales, The Selviergard Chronicles

The Barony of Selviergard, Oertha—The populace of the Barony of Selviergard gathered together to celebrate the season of Yule with feasting, cookies, fighting, and even a gift exchange in one of the traditional events within the Barony—Yule.  The activity, held in Central Selviergard, was well attended not only by local members of the populace but by visitors from the Barony of Eskalya and the Shire of Hrafnafjordr as well.  Also in attendance for the festivities were Their Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Oertha, who made the trip from the lands of Winter’s Gate.

Yule was hosted by Mistress Margarita di Calvi and Mistress Nemonna Vicana and featured a wondrous amount of food, activities for the youth, and ample space for a variety of activities that showcased the glory of Selviergard in yuletide cheer.  The site token provided, silvery snowflake ornaments, were also presented and an iconic representation of the event.

The first part of the day was spent visiting with friends and family as is traditional with all Yules.  People gathered together to enjoy each the others company and visit; activities important to any event but to Yule especially.  The sound of laughter and talking filled the well-lit hall and friendships were made or renewed once again in Selviergard.

People start to gather around the food at the Barony of Selviergard’s Yule.  December 10, 2017.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Eskalya Celebrates a Very Russian Yule

The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—Once per year the various groups of the Principality hold a Yule event to celebrate the upcoming holidays; and such events are so near and dear to many people’s hearts that many people travel great distances just to attend them.  The Barony of Eskalya celebrated this years holiday season with a very special Russian-themed Yule complete with dancing, competitions, and a feast.

The Autocrats of the event, Lady Ciara der Alcan and Mistress Elspeth Buchannane had plenty planned for the celebrants of Yule—a full schedule of interesting things to do and witness, but they also allowed plenty of time for visiting and whimsy.  Upon arrival, visitors to the Eskalyan Yule were welcomed not only with glad greetings but also with a small tabletop gnome of their very own as a site token.

Lunch was provided for all to enjoy.  The food table was set with Boolochky-Chanezhky, a type of Russian sweet roll (along with a selection of jams and jellies) as well as a delicious mushroom soup that was a delight to savor.  The lunch was a welcome addition to the event and devoured readily by those in attendance.

After lunch there was a demonstration of period rapier techniques from the Historic Recrudescence Guild, a group of living historians who educate and perform at a few select events in Alaska; the most notable being the Three Baron’s Renaissance Fair.  With these welcome visitors the assembled populace was able to witness a wonderful demonstration that was filled with useful information and provided entertainment for those witnessing the display.

Members of the Historical Recrudescence Guild demonstrate period fighting at the Barony of Eskalya’s Yule event.  December 9, 2017.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.