Eve of Yule

Exploring what the Yule table could've looked like before Christmas traditions came into vogue.

Feast of Alban Arthuan: Celebrating Yule

 

                               ...Yule Banquet

Under ancient oaks, the table stretches long. 
The aroma of roasted meats fills the air,

mingling with the scent of boxty,

a tender potato pancake.

Golden butter churned from lush fields

spreads on slices of soda bread.

Steaming stew, rich with mutton

and vegetables, warms the soul.

Cabbage and potatoes complete the hearty meal,

symbolising the abundance of the harvest.

                       ...Winter's Embrace

Gather around the fire's warm embrace.

The table is adorned with the finest fare.

Sausages and pudding, black and white,

take centre stage in the flicker of candlelight. 
Champ and colcannon, creamy and comforting,

pair perfectly with bacon and cabbage.

Mince pies, sweet with spice and fruit,

bring a festive touch,

celebrating the flavours of the season.

               ...Alban Arthuan’s Table

Here we dine, honouring ancient rites. 
Farls and cakes baked with care

symbolise the bounty we share.

Garlic cheese chips

offer a savory delight,

while crubeens provide a unique delicacy.

Seafood chowder, rich and warm,

shields us from the winter chill,

evoking the rugged coastline

and the gifts of the sea.

                          ...A Celestial Feast

Bread and butter, ale and mead,

simple pleasures for our enjoyment.

Roasted nuts and dried sweet fruit,

nature's offerings, complete the feast.

Barmbrack, a sweet bread with hidden charms,

promises bright futures with each bite.

The gathering is lit by Yule’s glow,

hearts united in gratitude for the earth’s bounty.

                            ...Yule’s Harvest

In this sacred space, we meet.

Each soul is replete

with the joy of togetherness.

Irish stew and shepherd’s pie

offer hearty sustenance under the starlit sky.

Full of cheer, the table spreads

with golden threads of life’s abundance.

We celebrate with joy and appreciation,

embracing the magic of the Yule season.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

You describe here the mouthwatering feasts of the past before the traditional as we know it. You must have put quite a bit of research into this piece. Apart from imaging the table laden with goodies and the wonderful ambience of sharing with friends, you also allowed my mind to travel further and introduce the people who were preparing the feasts and how they went about it. Today I will be making a shepherd’s pie for ten of us. I hope I do it as much justice. An interesting, historical write. Much enjoyed Freds.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

Oh, I adore shepherd’s pie! Tell me how it turned out. Either way the next one can always be better! And yes, I had to look up winter foods and realised that there is so much overlap and inter-borrowing between culture groups and continents even. Like potatoes weren’t a European staple until the 1570s when they were brought over from the Andes! Amazing, all of it is. Thanks Chris, and have a blessed transition into the new year! Freds.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem my dear friend. I love the places and food, you described. You create a amazing place to know and to be in. Written with great skill. I loved every word written. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Red Brick Keshner]

Most welcome dear Coyote 🙏🏻

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

What a beautiful write so yum

It’s already Christmas here. ! Happy Christmas 🤶 enjoy your Xmas Eve.

[Red Brick Keshner]

Happy Christmas Julie 🎄🎁👍🏻🙏🏻

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

my mouth was begining to water reading this. i really felt like i had a seat at the table at this banquet. the setting seemed fantastical, as if from a children's book. the descriptions were vivid and it gave me a warm feeling at the pit of my stomach. the final stanza was a perfect reminder that -- it is not about the food but the company we keep and the shared meaning which gives festivities their true magic. one one level, this work is a delectable description of a hearty scene. on a deeper level, it is about the various powers that bring people together and create that aroma of lovingness.

[Red Brick Keshner]

This review and responde is a feast in itself! Thanks mate🙏🏻