Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. It is a time of celebration for pagans and Wiccans. It is known also as Yule and Yuletide.
History of Yule.
Yule was celebrated by various cultures, long before Christians adopted the time of year as a celebration as the birth of the Messiah. Celtic, Roman, and many others celebrated this time of year as an honoring of the rebirth of the Earth.
In Scandinavia, fires were lit in remembrance of the light of the sun. They would then keep a piece of the logs burned for good luck and then use it in the fires of the next Yule celebration.
In England, Germany, France, and other European countries, the Yule log was burned until nothing but ash remained.
In Rome, Saturnalia was celebrated, beginning on December 17 and lasting for seven days. It was held to honor Saturn, and suspension of discipline occurred. Gifts were offered, masquerades, and many other traditions that we still use today were part of the Saturnalia celebration.
Some facts about Yule.
- The origin of the word, “Yule,” has several suggested origins- the old English word geola, the old Norse word jol,?or the Anglo Saxon word for the winter festival season, iul. (Iul means “wheel.”)
- In Old Almanacs, Yule was represented by a wheel.
- It is an important time, as it marks the rebirth of the sun and the return of the summer because the days slowly lengthen after this day.
- It is viewed as the death of the sun-god and then his being born again from the Earth goddess.
Traditions celebrated today.
For many pagans today, the Yule log is still burned and blessings are given. Gifts are exchanged, dinner shared, and a coming together of friends and family.
The traditions of Christmas and Yule are intertwined in many ways. The traditions were adopted by early Christians, possibly to make the transition from one religion to another easier for the natives. It is a common practice, especially with the conquering that occurred of many pagan nations under the Christian influence that was spread by Constantine.
Edited/Published by: SB
