Religion in Brief ROCKLAND: HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

Tickets went on sale Nov. 12 for the Rockland Congregational Church’s third annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival to be held Friday through Sunday, Jan. 4-6.

The festival is a re-enactment of the ancient celebrations that marked the end of the 12 days of Christmas with the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Magi offered their gifts to the Christ child. In medieval England, it was recognized by a celebration in the manor hall with the presentation of a wild boar’s head that symbolized Christ’s triumph over Satan. The event is staged in the sanctuary of the church, 180 Limerock St. It is decorated like a manor house. The boar’s head is carried in by Beefeaters, followed by a profession of cooks and staff, who bring in the great feast. Carolers, King Wenceslas, the woodsmen carrying the Yule log and the holy family also take part in the celebration. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, and at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6. Tickets are $15 for reserved seats and $10 for general seating. For information, call the church office 594-8656.