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Yuletide

Yule or Yule-tide is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic peoples as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January on a date determined by the lunar Germanic calendar. The festival was placed on December 25 when the Christian (Julian) calendar was adopted. Some historians claim that the celebration is connected to the Wild Hunt or was influenced by Saturnalia, the Roman winter festival.

Etymological equivalent to "Yule" are still used in the Nordic Countries for both the Christian Christmas, but also other religious holidays of the season. In modern times this has gradually led to a more secular tradition under the same name as Christmas. Yule is also used in a lesser extent in English speaking countries to refer to Christmas. Customs such as the Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar, Yule singing, and others stem from Yule. In modern times, Yule is observed as a cultural festival and also with religious rites by some Christians and by some Neopagans. Yule is the modern English representative of the Old English words geól or geóhol and geóla or geóli, with the former indicating "(the 12-day festival of) Yule" (later: "Christmastide") and the latter indicating "(the month of) Yule", whereby ?rra geóla referred to the period before the Yule festival (December) and æftera geóla referred to the period after Yule (January). Both words are thought to be derived from Common Germanic *jexwla-, and are cognate to Gothic (fruma) jiuleis and Old Norse jól as well as ýlir. The etymological pedigree of the word, however, remains uncertain, though numerous speculative attempts have been made to find Indo-European cognates outside the Germanic group.

Union, Maine

Union is a small, rural, primarily agricultural community, right between the towns of Augusta, Camden & Rockland. We may be small, but we have a rich history and we pride ourselves for getting along with each other. We are all so proud to have the oldest "Commons" in Maine. This website is dedicated to providing our visitors with news & stories from around the world, in subjects we think might interest them. Most of what we publish can be found elsewhere, but here we offer a "one-place-portal". We search the news to find stories we think you'd like to read, but we are always open to suggestions. if there is something that interests you, we would like to know, and if possible provide it. Please send us an e-mail.

You will notice that we change our format occasionally. There are two reasons for that. One, we are trying not to be boring, and Two, we always try to have something new and interesting for you. Take for example this new menu we included on top of out page. That has about any link that we imagined you may find useful. We list Museums, Historical Societies, Government buildings, Libraries, Theaters, News media and many other things. Our "Calendar" page lists events happening this month around Union and as far as 100 miles. Again, let us do the work for you. Tell us a link you would find useful, and you'll have it. it's as simple as that.

Any dividing line will return you to the top of the page where you can access the menu. Most images provide a link to a larger picture.

This website works together with the Union Historical Society, the Matthews Museum of Maine Heritage, the Vose Library, the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, the People's United Methodist Church, the Union Yellow School Museum, the Church, of the Nazarene and many other area organizations.

Sterling Ambulance Service

Jason and Candace have been friends and sponsors from our very begriming. We are so happy to see them grow, and proud to still be friends. This fleet was only a few trucks strong when we met.

Sterling Ambulance Service is pleased to announce the recent addition of the Town of Warren to its list of emergency response areas. Along with Warren, Sterling Ambulance can also respond in the Towns of Union, Appleton, Washington, Hope, Rockport, and Rockland. Call 785-3100 for your ambulance transportation needs.

Quarry House Antiques

In the middle of the Union Common Road, you will find a quaint Antique Shop. Charlotte Hollemberg is a gracious lady who will welcome you and personally guide you through her treasure cove. The unique thing about this antique shop is that it does not cater to tourists only. Anyone will find something in her collection that will turn it into a love at first site. Following are some photos of Charlotte's treasures. We are proud to have her as one of our first sponsors.