In Norman England the boar was a ferocious beast and sovereign of the forest, a danger and a menace to man, and therefore a symbol of evil. The presentation of the boar's head a Christmas time signifies the triumph of the Christ Child over sin. The fresh yule log, lighted by last years embers and representing the warmth of the family fireside , has from the earliest times marked the rekindling of love as the old year passed and the new one was born.

It is probable that the Boar's Head ceremony is the oldest continuing festival of the Christmas season. Records show that it was used at Queen's College, Oxford shortly after its founding in 1340. This colorful ceremony at Oxford, sung by dons and scholars, became a part of the Christmas celebration in the great manor houses of England.

In colonial America a number of families carried on this tradition in their homes. In 1888 Dr. Tibbits, a descendant of one of these early families, became Episcopal Rector of the Hoosac School in Hoosick Falls, New York, and established the festival there. Christ Church, Cincinnati, gave its first performance in 1940, adapting it for presentation in its Church building. What formerly had been a ceremony of the lord of the manor has become a Service of Praise of the Lord of the Universe.

In the Church comes the tiny light of a burning taper, borne by a sprite, symbolizing the coming of Jesus into a darkened world. The taper is given to the Church, and into its growing radiance there comes a noble company of knights and attendants bearing the Boar's Head with many accoutrements. The bright procession, led by a minstrel singing the traditional carol, moves triumphantly about the Church and, at length, presents its conquered enemy near the altar. In dignity and order the long line of companies group themselves before the sanctuary - the Herald and his men, the Mince Pie Company, the Cook and his apprentices, the Huntsman and his page, a Company, a Company of small Yule pages, and Good King Wenceslas, a symbol of Christian knightliness, and St. Nicholas.

When all are assembled around the Yule Candle, gay carols are sung as young Woodsmen pull In the Yule Log and a band of Waits come strolling through the congregation asking God's blessing on one and all.

There is a change in the mood and the music as the service proceeds to tell of man's deep longing for and search after God. The humble Shepherds come, seeking the new-born Babe. Strangers from the East and Kings approach, looking for Him who is the "King of Kings." Their search ends at the altar. As the Kings present their gifts to the Christ Child, all kneel reverently as men have done since God first came to earth at Christmas. The oldest Wise Man and the tiniest sprite join in singing of one of the oldest and most beautiful hymns of adoration, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence".