Symbolizing the Wheel of the Year, the wreath comes in a multitude of shapes and size, and may be composed of practically anything. From small & simple, to large & elaborate, asymmetrical or a complete & tidy ring, they are hung on doors, windows, and siding, or laid flat on a table. Wreaths are a common sight during Yule, though may be used throughout the year. Decorating your wreath is all about personal preference, and there are far too many options to list, so select whichever media you desire, and have fun.
Originating in Scandinavia, and other Northern-Europian regions, the Julbock is believed to have origins in Pagan traditions, specifically attributed to the Norse God Thor, and his goats Tanngrisnir, and Tanngnjost which pulled the God of Thunder’s chariot. It is also believed that the Julbock was fashioned from the last sheaf of harvested grain, and saved to honor Dazbog (represented by a white goat), the God of the fertile sun, and harvest during Yule festivals.
Today, the tradition of the Julbock is upheld by fashioning decorative ornaments, and figurines made from straw, or wheat, bound with red ribbon. The ornaments are hung from Yule trees, while the larger, decorative Julbock are traditionally passed between families.
Another tradition incorporating the Julbock is known as Julebukking, where carolers go door-to-door dressed in masks, and costumes singing festive songs. There are several variations on this tradition, though they usually all involve neighbors gifting the carolers with sweets, and drink, and attempt to guess the identity of those under disguise. One tradition requires a member of the visited household to join up with the carolers as the troupe moves on to the next house.
I was asked to make a tutorial on how I make my felted Yule goat ornaments!
Optional is stuffing herbs crystals etc inside the goat for extra oomph!
Step 1: make you guide out of cardboard or sturdy paper.
Step 2: Lay on piece of doubled felt and cut along outline.
Step 3 tie a knot on end of embroidery floss and pull through one side right at the neck.
Step 4: not really a step, the side where the knot is will be the inside of the Yule goat to hide the knot.
Step 5: bring both side together and use a whip stitch to loop along the edges from the neck forward and all along there whole thing until just past the tail.
Step 6: leave enough room to put stuffing in the goat using a chopstick, wooden skewer etc.
Step 7: once it is full of stuffing, finish sewing up the back to your first knot and tie off a knot to keep it from unraveling.
Step 8: (optional) if you have enough excess, wrap the remaining floss around the neck until you have a just enough to tie a little bow. This wrapping helps hide your knots if they didn’t quite get finished correctly.
Cut off excess and decorate your knew body with ribbon trim etc
Well, with December 1st here, it’s officially my season for Yule and Yule prep!
Here’s a small tutorial for cheap handmade Yule goats out of felt.
