Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival

to be held at

Rockland Congregational Church

180 Limerock Street

Rockland

Tickets for 2012 on sale December 1, 2011! Call the church office (594-8656) to purchase yours now.

2012 Performances
•Saturday January 7, 2:00 and 4:30pm
•Sunday January 8, 2:00pm and 4:30pm

$15 for reserved seats, $10 General Admission
$5 for children under 12 (General seating)

Preshow begins one half hour before the performance. Refreshments and a Petting Zoo with the festival performers from Zabby's Traveling Farm Animals after each performance.

 

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The Festival is a re-enactment of ancient celebrations which marked the end of the twelve days of Christmas and were held on the Feast of Epiphany, when tradition claims that the Magi offered their gifts to the Christ Child. In medieval England, this time was recognized by revels in the manor hall, presenting a wild boar’s head, which came to symbolize Christ’s triumph over Satan. 

Our Festival is staged in the spacious sanctuary, decorated in the beginning as the Manor House. Arriving guests are greeted with music and offered sweetmeats.  The Herald proclaims the entry of the Boar’s Head, carried in triumph by the Beefeaters, and a procession of cooks and staff brings forth the great feast.  Then follow carolers to wish us well, King Wenceslas and his pages reminding us to help those in need, and woodsmen with the yule log, which represents the rekindling of love.  The lights dim and the hall transforms into a cathedral for the worship of the newborn King as the Holy Family arrives, followed by Shepherds, Magi and animals.  When all have assembled, they kneel in adoration.  The ceremony closes as a small child in the role of the yule sprite, accompanied by a cleric of the church, carries forth Christ’s light to all people.  The audience is invited to enjoy refreshments in the fellowship hall after the festival.

Throughout the performance, music by the Midcoast Brass Quintet, the Chancel Choir and handbell ringers of Rockland Congregational Church, and vocal and instrumental soloists, with singing by the  congregation, is enhanced by Richard Einsel at the organ. With a large costumed cast, dancers from the Rockport Dance Conservatory, live animals, choirs and musicians, the Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival at Rockland Congregational Church is a glorious way to close the holiday season.