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The Boar's Head Christmas Festival

Posted in: Happenings

Join us in celebrating the story of Jesus' birth through our 35th annual Boar's Head Festival! The Boar’s Head became a part of the Christmas celebration during the Middle Ages. In medieval England, the boar was a ferocious beast and considered the ruler of the forest, a danger and menace to man and, therefore, the symbol of evil. The presentation of the boar’s head at Christmas time signified the triumph of Jesus over sin. No one knows who began the Boar’s Head Festival, but it was celebrated at Queen’s College, Oxford in 1340, and there it continues to this day. Over the centuries additions have been made to the Boar’s Head including the Yule Log (symbolizing Jesus, our “Light of the World”), the wise men, the shepherds, the knights, good King Wenceslas and his page, and the beefeaters (English ceremonial guards). The Festival came to America in colonial times. When Bethlehem decided to continue this ancient tradition, it was given new life through the music, drama, and gifts shared by the many members of the congregation. This Festival is presented with the hope and prayer that it may be an offering of praise to Jesus and that it may bear witness of the joy we share in His Salvation. Pre-service music begins 1/2 hour before each performance, and a freewill offering will be collected for those who wish to support the festival. 7:30 PM to 10 PM. Free admission with a free-will offering. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 808 Weiss, Saginaw. Phone 989-755-1144 for more info.