Yule is not the beginning of winter. It is the turning point of the season, mid-winter. Our ancestors must have watched anxiously for a sign that the sun was not going to ultimately be subjugated by the forces controlling winter. Think of how long the nights lasted when there was no electricity. "Will we run out of food and firewood? Will our shelter hold through the winter? If only we can survive this longest night, then we can survive until the light returns to us."
Thus, on the longest night of the year, there is a sweet, reverent waiting for that moment when the promise of the returning light arrives. Celebrations to honor this moment have been underway. Each culture carefully prepares with tokens and symbols to represent the joyous occasion. Songs, stories, decorations, gifts, scented candles, joy and laughter will ring out in honor of the gods, goddesses, and spirits that have provided for them throughout the season. Winter Solstice rituals are powerful because the passageway between dark and light is tangible. Reaching within to connect to the quiet darkness, reaching out to embrace the spark of light that is manifesting, these are attainable during this time of balance.
Thus, on the longest night of the year, there is a sweet, reverent waiting for that moment when the promise of the returning light arrives. Celebrations to honor this moment have been underway. Each culture carefully prepares with tokens and symbols to represent the joyous occasion. Songs, stories, decorations, gifts, scented candles, joy and laughter will ring out in honor of the gods, goddesses, and spirits that have provided for them throughout the season. Winter Solstice rituals are powerful because the passageway between dark and light is tangible. Reaching within to connect to the quiet darkness, reaching out to embrace the spark of light that is manifesting, these are attainable during this time of balance.
2016 Winter Solstice History: Very thorough well written history
Listed below are some of the traditions and symbols that different cultures have to honor and celebrate this transitional time.
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6. Wassail
7. Fruit Cake 8. Evergreen Trees (by Pauline and Dan Campanelli |
1. Yule Log
The Yule log originated as a Nordic tradition before medieval times and spread throughout Europe. Each region has variations on the theme, but essentially a tree (or log) is cut down and brought into the house to be fuel for the fire during the 12 days (or 12 hours) before of Christmas. The fire was started by the flames of the previous year’s Yule log. The burning of the log brought health, fruitfulness and productivity (although the benefits varied from region to region). Its ashes were sprinkled on plants to promote growth and health or used for various charms. The log was adorned and carried around the house 3 times. To see a more detailed description go to: http://whychristmas.com/customs/yulelog.shtml http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/trivia/yulelog.htm
The Yule log originated as a Nordic tradition before medieval times and spread throughout Europe. Each region has variations on the theme, but essentially a tree (or log) is cut down and brought into the house to be fuel for the fire during the 12 days (or 12 hours) before of Christmas. The fire was started by the flames of the previous year’s Yule log. The burning of the log brought health, fruitfulness and productivity (although the benefits varied from region to region). Its ashes were sprinkled on plants to promote growth and health or used for various charms. The log was adorned and carried around the house 3 times. To see a more detailed description go to: http://whychristmas.com/customs/yulelog.shtml http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/trivia/yulelog.htm
2. Wreaths
Evidence of wreaths being used for celebrations can be seen as far back as Ancient Persia. The material they are made of changes to reflect the attributes they are representing. Evergreen wreaths symbolize strength and immortality since evergreens last even through the harshest winters. Pagan traditions include placing 4 candles on the wreath to represent the elements of Earth, wind, fire, and water. The wreaths were typically used in rituals that would ensure the continuance of the circle of life. The Christian tradition of using the holiday wreath is still used today to prepare for Advent. They also use candles which have different attributes depending on the order. For more information on Yule wreaths go to: http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-wreath/history.html
http://www.wilsonevergreens.com/christmas-wreath-history#sthash.p5oviPPk.dpuf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath
Evidence of wreaths being used for celebrations can be seen as far back as Ancient Persia. The material they are made of changes to reflect the attributes they are representing. Evergreen wreaths symbolize strength and immortality since evergreens last even through the harshest winters. Pagan traditions include placing 4 candles on the wreath to represent the elements of Earth, wind, fire, and water. The wreaths were typically used in rituals that would ensure the continuance of the circle of life. The Christian tradition of using the holiday wreath is still used today to prepare for Advent. They also use candles which have different attributes depending on the order. For more information on Yule wreaths go to: http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-wreath/history.html
http://www.wilsonevergreens.com/christmas-wreath-history#sthash.p5oviPPk.dpuf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wreath
3. Mistletoe: "Washington Irving (1783-1859), American author, notes another tradition in kissing beneath the mistletoe in Old Christmas From the Sketch Book of Washington Irving: " "The mistletoe is still hung up in farm-houses and kitchens at Christmas; and the young men have the privilege of kissing the girls under it, plucking each time a berry from the bush. When the berries are all plucked, the privilege ceases."
http://www.altogetherchristmas.com/traditions/mistletoe.html
http://www.altogetherchristmas.com/traditions/mistletoe.html
4. Incense: "Since ancient times humans have treasured these aromatic gifts of nature for pleasure, ritual, healing, and the esoteric arts..." http://incensemaking.com/
The site mentioned above is a wonderful site that takes you through the steps of creating your own incense.
The site mentioned above is a wonderful site that takes you through the steps of creating your own incense.
5. Yule Oil: The recipe listed below came from the website: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicaloils/qt/WinterSolstOil.htm
2 drops Cinnamon oil
2 drops Clove oil
1 drop Mandarin oil
1 drop Pine oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh oil
I read that it is important to refrain from putting essential oils directly on the skin to avoid a negative reaction. The website below gives a lot more information on how to prepare "Magical Oils". http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicaloils/ss/Oils_Intro.htm
2 drops Cinnamon oil
2 drops Clove oil
1 drop Mandarin oil
1 drop Pine oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh oil
I read that it is important to refrain from putting essential oils directly on the skin to avoid a negative reaction. The website below gives a lot more information on how to prepare "Magical Oils". http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicaloils/ss/Oils_Intro.htm
6. Wassail
"Oh, that brings us to one of the strongest traditions of Christmastime. The wassail cup has been around, literally, since the dark ages and the tradition has changed little over that period of time. Wassail is a strong drink (normally alcoholic) and it is served to help keep the chill away on those cold nights. The Wassail is also a toasting drink..."
http://traditionalenglishchristmas.com/wassail/
"Oh, that brings us to one of the strongest traditions of Christmastime. The wassail cup has been around, literally, since the dark ages and the tradition has changed little over that period of time. Wassail is a strong drink (normally alcoholic) and it is served to help keep the chill away on those cold nights. The Wassail is also a toasting drink..."
http://traditionalenglishchristmas.com/wassail/
7. Fruitcake:
"According to culinary legend, ancient Egyptians created the first version of the fruitcake for placement on the tombs or in the coffins of friends and relatives, perhaps as a food that could survive their journey into the afterlife...There are various theories about how fruitcake became tied to the holiday season. Some believe it is because the bread originated in the Holy Land while others believe it was because English citizens passed out fruitcake slices to the poor women who sang Christmas carols on the streets of London in the late 1700s." (read more at:
http://www.creatinghistory.com/history-of-fruitcake/
Today, when you say fruitcake, you may have people say how much they hate it, or to some, it may bring back memories of family traditions. I am in the later group. My family has a dried fruit fruitcake recipe which I think is delicious. It doesn't use any candied fruit and has a sweet, yet tart flavor with overtones of rum. I made it for my mother's wedding and she made it for mine. She would always make a little extra for me at Christmas so...well it's just a great memory and tradition that I carry on. Click here to go to my mom's fruitcake recipe.
"According to culinary legend, ancient Egyptians created the first version of the fruitcake for placement on the tombs or in the coffins of friends and relatives, perhaps as a food that could survive their journey into the afterlife...There are various theories about how fruitcake became tied to the holiday season. Some believe it is because the bread originated in the Holy Land while others believe it was because English citizens passed out fruitcake slices to the poor women who sang Christmas carols on the streets of London in the late 1700s." (read more at:
http://www.creatinghistory.com/history-of-fruitcake/
Today, when you say fruitcake, you may have people say how much they hate it, or to some, it may bring back memories of family traditions. I am in the later group. My family has a dried fruit fruitcake recipe which I think is delicious. It doesn't use any candied fruit and has a sweet, yet tart flavor with overtones of rum. I made it for my mother's wedding and she made it for mine. She would always make a little extra for me at Christmas so...well it's just a great memory and tradition that I carry on. Click here to go to my mom's fruitcake recipe.
8. Evergreen Trees: Greeks, Celtic, Roman, Scandinavian, Ukraine, Artemis...this article reaches into history to connect with why decorated trees are with us today at this time of year.