Bones are a part of shamanic practices. They are a symbol of the inner strengths and truths that reside within and they are thought of as living things, able to reanimate. Change and rebuilding is often shown through skeletal imagery, a kind of getting to the root of the issue before a new way of living can come into being.
They are also used by a number of tribes as a method of divination, sometimes by reading the cracks in the bones once they have been put through a ceremonial fire.
Some bones hold more significance than others. The English word cup and the German word for head (kopf) are sourced in the ancient Tibetan word kapala, a holder for wine that is offered to the Gods.
These chocolate bones can be an easy way into an uncomplicated explanation of how the meaning we give to bones has changed from something sacred, living and revered to something dead and scary.
You will need:
Pretzel sticks
Mini marshmallows
White chocolate pellets
Start by gathering the ingredients and participants. Get everyone’s hands washed. Licking fingers is alright only, if hands are washed again before touching anything else. Hold hands and form a circle. ” In my kitchen, filled with Care, I welcome Earth, Water, Fire, Air”. Explain a little about the elements and the meaning of bones and begin.
This is the place where you can use up the broken pretzels you might have in the bag. After all bones come in all lengths.
Attach a mini marshmallow at each end by pushing the marshmallow onto the stick.
Melt the white chocolate and stir well. Dip each bone and shake off excess chocolate. I am going with the assumption that you are using the melt and dip variety of chocolate flavoured coating.
The pictures are made with chocolatiers chocolate. If that is also your choice and you plan to temper, go for it. If you would like a refresher here is a link.
When using proper chocolate with cocoa butter and not palm oil, melting the chocolate will destabilize the molecular structure and if you just melt, stir and dip the pretzels then they will need to harden in the fridge and stay there until needed as they will melt when touched. The chocolate flavoured pellets are made with palm oil and do not need tempering.
Place the “bone” on wax paper for an easy release once hard and allow to harden.
Repeat until you have made as many as you would like.
Take a look. Some might need a little touching up. I find the pretzels can show through in some instances. Now is the time to go back and do any needed tweaking.
In a cool kitchen there is no need to put these in the fridge. They will harden at room temperature.
Use as cake decorations, trick or treats, as “money” in games or for ritual.
Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem White Chocolate Bones from My Kitchen Wand
