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.

Towards the middle of the event Baron Halfdan held a court in which he welcomed everybody to Yule and emphasized the importance of such celebrations as a way to spend time with friends and family and to enjoy a small activity together.  After the welcome it was time for some baronial business in His Excellencies’ court.  The first item brought to notice was to celebrate the youth in attendance with the giving of small gifts for the holiday season and these items were well received by the younger members in attendance.

The next part of business in his court was to welcome a newcomer to the lands of Selviergard.  M’Lord Chad was welcomed by the Baron of Selviergard with a personal token and a hand-made notebook to write his thoughts and ideas of the Society.  M’Lord Chad was cheerfully welcomed into the Barony of Selviergard which, as His Excellency noted, is much like a family.

The Arts and Sciences Minister, Yamano Yuki-san also made the announcement that Arts and Sciences Night would start to commence in the beginning of the new year much to everybody’s joy.  Additionally, there was a presentation of historical significance by Mistress Margarita di Calvi; baronial tablecloths crafted when the Barony of Selviergard was young and in its infancy were displayed to the populace and well appreciated by the Baron of Selviergard.

Baron Halfdan had other business before the populace.  Baron Halfdan recognized Lady Ciara Inghean U Beirichtir for her skill in producing largess by inducting her into the Order of the Or Claymore; an award for arts and sciences within the Barony.  Additionally, her husband, Lord Colum Mac Eoghain Uí Niall, was inducted into the College of Bards; a group designated to help encourage the bardic arts, in all their diverse forms, within the Barony of Selviergard.  Lord Colum would join Lord Rin McCray as the second of the primary inductees to the College.

Lady Ciara Inghean U Beirichtir is inducted into the Order of the Or Claymore for Arts and Sciences by Baron Halfdan.  December 10, 2017.  Photograph by Yamano Yuki.

The Officers of the Barony of Selviergard were then called forward and paid for their services with a bag of treats and kind words to each of the officers.  Baron Halfdan took the time to note their good works and accomplishments over the past year and made known his esteem for all the officers of the Barony of Selviergard.

From there, Baron Halfdan made some final remarks on the season of Yule, noting the historical “First Yule of Selviergard” and then released everybody to eat and make merry.

As with all Selviergardian events since time immemorial, yet probably dating back to the traditions of the Trolls according to modern historians, there was plenty of food to feed three times the number of attendees.  Soups, breads, fruits, vegetables, and many more delicacies decorated the feasting table which the populace partook of with great delight.

For those so inclined there was a small fighter practice available in which Duncan, Prinz of Oertha, led the charge.  All of the fighters who took part in the practice appeared to be having a lot of fun and the sound of well-placed blows, and the occasional yelps of pain, echoed throughout the hall.

Fighter Practice in enjoyed by those so inclined at the Barony of Selviergard’s Yule.  December 10, 2017.  Photograph by Ally of Selviergard.

Towards the end of the day Prinz Duncan and Prinzess Violet held a brief court in which they thanked the populace for attending a very warm Yule.  In court, Their Highnesses recognized Arnþórr Hesthǫfði from the lands of the Shire of Hrafnafjordr and awarded him with an Award of Arms for his continued works and service within the Principality.  Last, but not least, Prinz Duncan once again made the announcement, originally made at Eskalya’s Yule, that for the duration of His reign potatoes were to be considered a period food item—much to the cheering and “Long Live Prinz Duncan” throughout the hall.

One of the main events of the activity took place directly after court.  Cookies, prepared by the populace, were put on display and exchanged.  From simple to extravagant, from traditional to modern; the populace was able to get their fill of the marvelous treats brought on display and destined for sharing.  As a side note; there were no injuries reported in the Cookie Exchange.

After the Cookie Exchange there was the Viking Gift Exchange; an activity that was a bit more subdued than in years past but no less fun.  For those who brought a small gift to exchange it was a fun time opening the presents exchanged and many unique and inspired gifts made their way to other’s hands and homes.

The Viking Gift Exchange is strangely bloodless at the Barony of Selviergard’s Yule.  December 10, 2017.  Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.

Sadly; even events as grand as this one cannot last forever.  With the tables packed away and various items taken out to waiting cars it was time to wish friends and family a happy holiday season as the celebrants made their way home.

Sometimes the holiday season can be stressful, but a small activity in which there is plenty of time to relax and visit with your friends is a welcome diversion from the hectic running around in the modern world; especially during the holiday season.  Such events are truly what the season is all about—spending time with friends and family.  Baron Halfdan of Selviergard said it well when he wrote his gratitude to the populace the next day. “Thank you to everybody who helped make the season that much brighter and for giving the greatest gift one can give a Baron; to see his Barony happy, joyful, and well-fed.”

The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally Published in the January 2018 edition of The DragonTale

Activity Date:  December 10, 2017