The winter solstice (on or around
December 21st) has long been honored as the moment we
shift from the darker half of the year to the lighter half, as the
days begin to lengthen- the sun is reborn. Germanic and Norse
traditions historically celebrated a festival known as Yule or
Yuletide, a holiday that is still celebrated by Neopagans and
Heathens today and lasts anywhere from three to twelve days. Many
traditions we now associate with the Christian holiday of Christmas
originated in historical Yuletide celebrations, such as caroling,
imbibing on wassail (spiced cider), mistletoe kissing, as well as
decorating trees with lights, and hanging holly and ivy in the home.
A Yule log, traditionally made of ash, was brought into the home and
lavishly decorated before being set ablaze, as the highlight of
celebration. A piece of the previous year's log was added, symbolic
of retaining prosperity throughout the year and into the next. There
are many variations of these celebrations in modern traditions.
Whatever you celebrate, we hope you have a blessed and warm holiday!
