Online Book Talk: Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas by Ellen Evert Hopman

Stanley-Whitman House is thrilled to welcome back esteemed author Ellen Evert Hopman for another captivating virtual book talk. This time, Ellen will present her latest work, "The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas," on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 7:00 pm. This online event invites participants to immerse themselves in the heart of winter's traditions and lore.

Ellen, renowned for her deep knowledge in herbalism and enchanting storytelling, will guide attendees on an exploration of ancient Christmas and Pagan Solstice customs. This interactive session aims to uncover the history and folklore behind modern holiday observances, offering a unique glimpse into the season's most beloved practices.

Attendees will gain invaluable knowledge about the various herbs, barks, and berries essential to Christmas and Yuletide traditions, learning about their medicinal and magical properties. Ellen will also shed light on the cultural origins of familiar holiday symbols like the Christmas tree and Santa Claus and introduce lesser-known figures such as female gift bringers, holiday spirits, and Yuletide animals from various cultures.

Moreover, Ellen's narrative will include holiday crafts, such as making a Yule Log, Winter Solstice divinations, and preparing traditional festive foods and drinks like Elizabethan gingerbread cookies and Wassail. This talk is more than an informative session; it's a journey through the customs and traditions of the past.

Ellen's book, "The Sacred Herbs of Yule and Christmas," will be available for purchase, offering attendees a deeper dive into the topics discussed. You can order it directly from the author for a personal touch, including signed copies or special editions, or purchase it at the museum shop at Stanley-Whitman House, enhancing your reading experience.

This complimentary program requires online registration. Join us for this extraordinary exploration of Yuletide magic, an educational and celebratory experience of the deeper meanings and joys of the holiday season. Rediscover the sacred herbs of Yule and Christmas with Ellen Evert Hopman and infuse your holiday celebrations with ancient magic.

We are delighted to have Ellen return to Stanley-Whitman House, where she previously presented four engaging programs in 2022 on her other works: "The Real Witches of New England: History, Lore, and Modern Practice," "The Sacred Herbs of Spring: Magical, Edible, and Healing Plants to Celebrate Beltane," "Secret Medicines from Your Garden: Plants for Healing, Spirituality, and Magic," and "The Sacred Herbs of Samhain: Plants to Contact the Spirits of the Dead."

In 1935, Stanley-Whitman House was established as Farmington's first museum. It is a nationally recognized historic house museum and living history center that teaches through the collection, preservation, research, and dynamic interpretation of the history and culture of early Farmington, Connecticut. Programs, events, classes, and exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning, and engaging in colonial life and the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture.

Located in the historic village of Farmington, the museum facility centers on a circa 1720 National Historic Landmark house furnished with period antiques to reflect the everyday activities of Colonial life in Connecticut. Surrounding the house are period-raised bed gardens, an apple orchard, and heritage stone walls.

The public service areas of the museum, constructed in 2004, include a modern classroom, a period tavern room, a post-and-beam Welcome Center, a research library, an exhibit gallery, the Nancy Conklin History Gallery, and a collection storage area.

In addition to managing Memento Mori, Farmington’s ancient cemetery on Main Street, and the Village Green, located at the intersection of Routes 4 and 10, the museum also oversees the Scott Swamp Cemetery on Route 6. The Stanley-Whitman House is supported in part by the Farmington Village Green and Library Association.

At Stanley Whitman House, our commitment to accessibility is paramount. While not all of our programs are free, we strive to offer as many as possible at no cost, thanks to the generous support of our underwriters. If you wish to assist us in this mission, we welcome donations, which help us to expand further and diversify our range of activities. Your contributions play a crucial role in maintaining and increasing the accessibility of our programs.

Host or Publisher Stanley-Whitman House