The Nativity

Neules
Neules
The neules are one of the most traditional of all ornaments in Mallorcan churches at this time of year. Originally an edible type of bread they were hung in the churches for the Christmas Eve Watchnight Service. After the singing of the Sibil.la, the sword was used to cut the string holding the neules so that the congregation could enjoy them. Unfortunately, as this occurred prior to the end of the service, the resulting havoc led to Church disapproval.

At one time the were also used as a form of calendar measuring the time leading up to Lent, the larger ones representing the weeks and the smaller ones the days, with the appropriate one beng removed as time passed. With literacy, this custom has fallen into disuse. Another calendar to count the weeks of Lent itself was the Jaia Corema.

Nowadays, the neules are circles of white paper, intricately cut to resemble snowflakes or depict scenes from the Nativity and hang in profusion in the churches or over the nativity scenes.