35th Annual Yule Log Hunt at The Morton Arboretum
Plus, a Yule Twig Hunt for Little Ones
LISLE, IL (December 13, 2012) – Take part in our 35th annual Hunt for the Yule Log on Sunday, December 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. You will receive a list of clues leading you to various parts of the Arboretum in search of the hidden Yule Log. Once the Yule Log is found, it will be placed on a toboggan and brought back to Arbor Court. The discoverers will take turns sawing the log in half. One half of the log is placed on the roaring fire, which is lit at the beginning of the hunt. The other half is saved for next year’s fire.
The people who make the discovery are also awarded large, beautifully decorated medallions. “They will receive the first cups of wassail,” explains Diana Fischer-Woods, Special Events Coordinator, “and join in on the toast ‘Waes Hael,’ which means ‘be well.’” In addition to the bonfire and wassail, there will be humorous renditions of traditional Christmas carols by the Frozen Robins, an a cappella group in Dickensian attire.
Visitors should dress for hiking and cold weather, and meet in the Visitor Center. This event is free with admission.
For families with very young children who would tire quickly from tromping around in search of the log, the Children's Garden offers the Yule Twig Hunt. Little ones can hunt for Yule Twigs Sunday, December 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event sends our smaller adventurers to find a Yule Log that is just their size. This drop-in, self-guided activity provides holiday memories for parents and kids. Free with admission.
About Yule Logs
The hunt and burning of Yule logs is rooted in ancient traditions during the winter solstice. Long ago, people believed that the sun ran out of fuel toward the end of December and that was why the days grew shorter and shorter. Desperate to keep the sun shining in the sky, they convinced themselves that if they kept the Yule logs burning on those darkest days, the sun would be encouraged to move again and the longer days would return.
The 2012 rates are:
$12/adult, ($8 on Wednesday), ages 18-64
$11/senior, ($7 on Wednesday), ages 65 and over
$9/child ($6 on Wednesday), ages 2-17
Under age 2 is free. Parking is free.
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research, and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Throughout natural landscapes are specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails, and nine miles of roads. Other offerings include tree-focused events, activities, and services for adults, children, professionals, and communities. The Arboretum welcomes 800,000 visitors annually and serves 34,000 member households. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. More information is available at www.mortonarb.org.
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Media Contacts
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