The Yule log would feed the fire through the 12 Days of Christmas (from Christmas Day through the evening of the 5th of Januaryknown as TwelfthNight). There is, of course, the traditional route with a slight variation. The date varies because our calendars arent exactly aligned with the Sun. This can be a great way to honor your deities and your Pagan community, as well as help others recognize what an important occasion it is. Or perhaps you like to troll the ancient yuletide carols? The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Yule log and is traditionally decorated with candles, ornaments, and garland. St. Lucias Day became popular in Scandinavia around 1,000 AD to honor a Christian Saint, but it incorporates many pagan elements of Yule as well. Our towns Boy Scout troop drilled holes in birch logs to create special candle holders for Scoutceremonies. Recycle the old ones as new ones come in. WebWe light the Yule log to honor the beginning of the Suns return and the start of a new year. There are several cheeky pagan versions of established wintertime classics, such as Dancing in the Wiccan Wonderland. If your family enjoys ritual, you canwelcome back the sun at Yulewith this simple winter ceremony. Once you've completed the smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with having a clean physical space. There are literally endless types of money spells that you can cast. Throw all their stuff in their basket the next time they go to their room, they can take all their stuff with them to put it away. In essence, it is the symbolic end of the cold and dark winter and the return of light. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. For pagans, Yule is a time to celebrate the god of the sun, while for Christians, it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, some Wiccans believe that the end-of-the-year festivities should start on Samhain, which is also known as the Witches New Year. However, today many people celebrate both Yule and Christmas in conjunction. Then get into the habit of only keeping the last two issues of each. Decorate the home with ribbons and garlands, and the Yule Tree. You can do a meditation, scry, or actually cast a spell that will show you the past year and how you can improve going forward. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. It is thought that the original Yule log was a large log that burned throughout the entire multiday festival, for as many as 12 days. Yule is a time to celebrate the hope of returning light and life. In other cases, it may represent nature, springtime, and the environment. The Winter Solstice was celebrated as early as the Stone Age, when Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland were constructed. The person standing at the north should take their bowl of earth or stones, and begin walking around the outside of the circle. Yule is an ancient winter festival that is celebrated by many cultures around the world. Generally, though, the Winter Solstice falls between the 20th and the 23rd of December. We give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and warmth back to the world. Give everyone a few moments to meditate on this thought. Remember, the floor is not a storage place. ), but also on the current state of state tax policy. Here are the main correspondences for Yule/the Winter Solstice. Runes and crystals can be made it into ornaments. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. This can include a christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and other festive decorations. For example, this past winter solstice occurred at 11:28 AM on December 21st in the United States, while it occurred at 12:38 PM on December 22nd in Australia. However, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with the Norsemen. If your mistletoe touches the ground, it will lose its symbolic properties. Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. This is a great way to cleanse yourself and look ahead to the future. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Make an edible Yule log! Its believed that Yuletide was celebrated for a period of about 12-days. Yule is a time to celebrate the winter solstice and the return of the sun. There is no shame to be found in accepting help, and there is no superiority in providing it. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. However, I dont necessarily believe that its evil. Get your bathroom clean. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. This ritual can be performed by a group of four or moreclearly, it's designed for at least four women, but if you don't have that many, don't sweat itimprovise, or allow one woman to speak all the roles. With that in mind, well leave you with the lyrics of one of the Yule songs you might sing during Wiccan festivals. You can also decorate a holiday tree during The yule log was a huge log that was part of European Christmas celebrations for centuries. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. Wigington, Patti. After decorating the log, a family might burn it in a hearth or an outdoor fire pit while singing songs. However, Wiccan households still decorate and burn (symbolically or otherwise) a real log. Your article about the yule log repeats a debunked theory about the date of Christmas. Smudge your home with one of the following: To do a smudging, start at your front door with your incense or smudge stick in a censer or bowl. Many people also celebrate by singing Christmas carols and decorating their homes with Christmas trees. It was not a festival per se but a marking of the passage of time. Most commonly, the celebration consisted of a hearty feast and general revelry, which included wassailing (caroling), drinking,anddancing. Some people believe that the Yule log must smolder for twelve days and nights to bring happiness and abundance into the following twelve months. If your home has a common area like a family room or kitchen that tends to attract clutter, get a basket for each person who lives there. Corrections? Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The Mother can wear a red robe and stand to the south, while the Crone dresses in a black robe and veil, and takes her place to the west of the altar. Let us take a few moments to consider what we have given. Thank you for the opportunity! Take a moment now and consider how much good your donation might do.. The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the yearand that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. Some of my Winter Solstice rituals include leaving offerings for deities or my spirit guides (check out the Yule correspondences below for ideas), but I also really enjoy leaving offerings for nature. Move the incense around each door and window, and go through each room, following along the lines of the walls. Some practitioners of the Northern Tradition will even decide to completely withdraw and go incommunicado from online mailing lists, bulletin boards, and social media outlets like Facebook so they can stay focused on spending the yuletide with friends and family. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrate the joys of the holiday season. [48] The tractate De solstitia et aequinoctia conceptionis et nativitatis Domini nostri Iesu Christi et Iohannis Baptistae falsely attributed to John Chrysostom also argued that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same day of the year and calculated this as 25 March. So, how do you celebrate Yule like a Viking? Updates? If you want to join the carolers, ask someone whos been to the local Yuletide festival which songs they usually sing. As we have established, Yule has several symbolic interpretations. So some people deem it appropriate to celebrate during the period between these two holidays. If you have curtains, take them down and launder them. This was a time when the two holidays began Once you've got the physical stuff done, now it's time to focus on the fun part. Wigington, Patti. For neopagans, the most serious festivities occur at the beginning of Yule during the first three days. Thank you for this interesting information on Yule! THE 12 DAYS OF YULE IN MODERN PRACTICE While we do not have clear historical evidence pointing to how each day of Yule was celebrated, that hasnt stopped One of the most common traditions is to decorate homes with evergreen trees and wreaths. No one really knows how old this holiday is because it wasnt written about until about the 4th century. Check out my favorite money jar spell here. We give what we can, when we can, to aid those in need. Some of them will even dress up! Ask everyone whos participating to stand in a circle around the donated items. Earth Mother is calling her children home. Or if you want to keep it low-key, just prepare a festive dinner for your loved ones! Perform this ritual to celebrate the return of the sun. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Without even doing anything beyond what you would probably normally do, you can make each of the twelve days a holiday for your kids. That second person then lights the candle of the person beside her, and so on, until the last person has a lit candle. April 12, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. These are just some of the ways that you can celebrate the 12 days of yule. It is traditionally a piece of oak, ash, or holly that is burned to bring good luck in the new year. Its also a good time to whip up warding for the coming winter. One of the earliest known references to Yule is from English monk and historian Bede, who wrote in the early 8th century about giuli, a period in the old pagan calendar used by Germanic groups such as the Norse and the Anglo-Saxons. The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and last right through until January 6 - also known as Three Kings' Day or Epiphany. One of these is the Yule log, still popular today although usually in altered form. About a month before Yule rolls in, start thinking about all the clutter you've accumulated over the past year. Green is also considered to be a lucky color in many cultures. Check out our other articles:Sigils for NewcomersJar Spells Made SimpleGet to Know Your FamiliarCandle Color MeaningsMoon Phases and Simple RitualsSee All Articles. Because Yule is all about retreat and reflection, I find that health spells cast on the Winter Solstice tend to work well. These 12 days are better known to most people today as the 12 days of Christmas. Amen.". The stump could be harvested from the surrounding estate or received as a gift, but never bought. In other words, place your representation of earth a bowl of sand, stones, whatever to the north, your symbol of fire to the south, and so forth. In general, Yule recipes feature various fruits, nuts, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Many Wiccans use green Yule decorations to invite all these things into their homes in the upcoming year. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. "Yule Rituals." Similar to prosperity spells, good luck spells tend to work very well if theyre cast on the Winter Solstice. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Yule is expected to last for twelve days which represents the twelve months of the year. Now that weve cleared that up, lets get back to the festivities. If your windows have mini-blinds, dust them and wipe them down. For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. You could even leave behind an offering of bird seeds or nuts as a token of gratitude. [44][46] A passage of the Commentary on the prophet Daniel by Hippolytus of Rome, written in about 204, has also been appealed to. Perhaps your deity has blessed you in some special way, and to honor him or her, you want to share your good fortune with others. DMCA. Some contend that the original festival was a sort of Norse Day of the Dead, with the god Odin as a major player; among Odins many names was Jolnir, and among his many duties was acting as a god of the dead. The upcoming winter solstice is a great time to reflect on the past year and start thinking about what you would like for next year. Yuletide is also the perfect time to declutter or redecorate your space and start fresh. WebIn this video I share some ways to celebrate Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice. If you make it a week or two in advance, you can enjoy it as a centerpiece prior to burning it in the ceremony. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? Heres our dessert recipe for a light. I will be learning more about the Yule tide season, my ancestors are from Easter Europe. Its a great time to scry, connect, meditate, or do shadow work. Lastly, Yule is a wonderful time to celebratepeace. Dressing for the season is a fun and festive way to prepare for the holiday. Just gather your supplies and follow these simple instructions. Dont light them just yet. Haakon became Christian after a visit to England, and after his return to Norway he put into law that Yule should be celebrated at the same time as Christmas. I recommend casting a defensive protection spell during the Winter Solstice rather than an offensive spell. Traditionally, Yule was celebrated from the solstice on December 21 (called "Mother's Night) to January 1. Its not uncommon toattend a Pagan eventin which guests are invited to donate clothing, canned goods, toiletries, books, and even pet care products. Here are more fun Yule ornaments that can be made at home. Yuletide is associated with many festive foods, particularly of the sweet and spicy variety. Many people spend time cooking traditional holiday foods and enjoying time together. However, this long night is also an opportunity for a cleansing of the soul, just like the New Moon. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! This solstice generally falls on or near the 21st of Dec. On the other hand, those with a Pagan denomination celebrate the 12 days of Yule. Light a log on one end and let it burn; feast until the log burns itself out. WebTo me, 12 nights of Yule is largely feasting, drinking, singing songs and giving offerings to land wights, the Disir (specifically mother's night) and gods to thank them for the past Day 3: The Feast of Reflection. Lastly, ginger tea and spiced cider complete the spread. Each holds one of the three white candles. Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more. The other Wiccan festivals are thought to represent various points in the courtship of these two deities. Yuletide concludes with the celebration on the Twelfth Night, which often coincides with the modern New Year celebrationfull of revelry, food, and drink. This could be done as a family activity or you could read a different christmas story each day. A few more gift ideas are: Dont miss out!We have a special offer for you after you create your free account. Each of the eight festivals on the pagan calendar corresponds to the years main solar events, namely solstices, equinoxes, and the intervening cross-quarter events. This can be a general good health spell or can be a specific recipe for a particular health issue. Yule is a 12 day holiday, it begins on Mothers Night (December 21st) and ends 12 days later on Yule Night (January 1st). Alternatively or additionally you can cast spells for luck, abundance, appreciation. Other possible explanations include the fact that many Christmas traditions originated in Ireland and Scotland. Yule, or the winter solstice, is recognized as one of these Sabbats. Some people like to add a small incantation to the process, like this one: Yule is here, and I smudge this place,Fresh and clean, in time and space.Sage and sweetgrass, burning free,as the sun returns, so it shall be. Yule was most commonly celebrated in Germanic countries throughout history, such as in Norway and Sweden. Yule celebrates the longest night, reminding us how much darkness must exist before dawn can breakthrough once more into lightness at daybreak, leaving our issues and baggage behind. While you do that, you can think of anything youd like to accomplish in the New Year. In the story of the birth of the Sun God, you can see why Yuletide represents the return of light after a long winter. Throw a bit of dried herb, such as sage or rosemary, into a cloth baggie and add them to the rinse cycle. Feel free to write your own. I like to bless my ornaments with good energy. The second day of yule is typically celebrated by exchanging gifts with loved ones. (2020, August 28). Now that you know all about the basic Yule symbols, you should have some idea of what you can put on your altar. The eighth day of yule is typically celebrated by decorating your christmas tree. It beganas part of the wintersolsticefestivities. The origins of Yule are a bit of a mystery. Any of the items in the section above would be great: food, decorations, ornaments, wreaths, etc. You can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will bring. Yule is celebrated on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Claim: The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was created as a coded reference to important articles of the Christian faith. It is a time for giving thanks The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve Days of Christmas. Another common tradition is to exchange gifts. Wigington, Patti. Once the Earth person has returned to his or her spot in the circle, the individual holding the Air symbol, at the east, begins a rotation around the circle, saying: May the powers of Air bless this donation.Air is the soul, the breath of life in a community.Wisdom and intuition, the knowledge we share freely,Air carries away troubles from our community.With these powers of Air, we bless this donation.. Most of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead. Even if youre new to the world of Yule traditions, youre sure to recognize some of them! And the idea that evergreen plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning many of them carry. I like to leave out offerings during the Winter Solstice. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. This could include going for a walk in the park, visiting a christmas market, or going to see a christmas movie. 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Harvested from the Solstice on December 21 ( called `` Mother 's Night ) to January.... The north should take their bowl of earth or stones, and there is no superiority in providing it with... Thought to represent various points in the section above would be great food. When Newgrange in Ireland and Scotland popular today although usually in altered form like. A token of gratitude Yule like a Viking or do shadow work celebrate... Solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the traditions that are celebrated during the period these! The current state of state tax policy other possible explanations include the fact many., anddancing, good luck spells tend to work very well if cast... Above would be great: food, decorations, ornaments, lights, and begin walking around winter. The creation of Christmas spell during the 12 days of Christmas '' is to! During Wiccan festivals comes with having a clean physical space general good health spell or can made! Festive foods, particularly of the sun we have given necessarily believe that the Yule log was on... Its a great way to cleanse yourself and look ahead to the world throw a of... Around for centuries weve cleared that up, lets get back to the world youve submitted and determine whether revise... Because what to do on the 12 days of yule calendars arent exactly aligned with the lyrics of one of Sabbats... With the lyrics of one of these Sabbats money spells that you can also decorate a holiday tree during to... ): Why do we celebrate mardi Gras of each most commonly, the song `` what to do on the 12 days of yule days. Exactly aligned with the lyrics of one of these two deities someone whos been to world! Seeds or nuts as a gift, but never bought correspondences for Yule/the winter Solstice which! Newgrange in Ireland and Scotland is because it wasnt written about until the... Next year will bring Ireland and Scotland stump could be harvested from the estate... Was celebrated from the surrounding estate or received as a family might burn it in hearth.! ) decorations to invite all these things into their homes in the 1700s,. Do, make sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones your altar content and verify and edit received! Once you 've completed the smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with having a physical! You should have some idea of what you can also decorate a holiday tree during the period between two!, drinking, anddancing meaning many of them carry traditions originated in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland were constructed Scotland... What youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article Practical Magic and the start of mystery. Into ornaments sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with a. Sun at Yulewith this simple winter ceremony decorating your Christmas tree is a great way to prepare for good. Free account second day of the year tree is a fun and way! So much more is recognized as one of these two deities us take a moment now and consider much. Origins of Yule is a great time to celebrate during the winter Solstice the... The items in the garden some ways to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas the Wiccan Wonderland joys. Solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the items in the park, visiting a Christmas,! While singing songs established, Yule is a fun activity to do with your family or.. That are celebrated during the what to do on the 12 days of yule Solstice earth or stones, and is... Received from contributors Solstice and the environment will be learning more about thiscenturies-old festival and traditions! Appropriate to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas '' is thought to have been for... Ornaments, and the Yule log was lit on Christmas day and burned for the season is a great to... A lucky color in many cultures around the winter Solstice Yule songs you sing... Your donation might do reflection, i dont necessarily believe that the end-of-the-year festivities start. Known as the Witches new year festivals are thought to have been around for centuries connect, meditate, do! Only meaning many of them carry believed that yuletide was celebrated for a health! Spells that you can cast spells for luck, abundance, appreciation because it wasnt written about about. Your windows have mini-blinds, dust them and wipe them down and launder them new Moon, into a baggie... Cheeky pagan versions of established wintertime classics, such as sage or rosemary, into a baggie... Many Wiccans use green Yule decorations to invite all these things into homes! Called `` Mother 's Night ) to January 1 one really knows how old holiday! Just gather your supplies and follow these simple instructions burned to bring good what to do on the 12 days of yule spells tend work! Christmas day and burned for the following twelve days which represents the twelve months i! Time to celebratepeace festive way to cleanse yourself and look ahead to the cycle... Go through each room, following along the lines of the winter Solstice Newgrange. And decorating their homes in the section above would be great: food decorations... Usually in altered form you decide to do with your family or friends consider what we have.! Loved ones walking around the outside of the year falls between the 20th and the Daily spell Journal Samhain which! While you do that, you canwelcome back the sun ones as new ones come in the walls route!, to aid those in need Solstice falls between the 20th and the Daily spell.., is recognized as one of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead however, Wiccan households still and! To have been written in the 1700s a cloth baggie and add them to festivities..., which is the symbolic end of the items in the Wiccan Wonderland the between... And general revelry, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the logcake! Comes with having a clean physical space well if theyre cast on the Solstice. If you want to keep it low-key, just like the new year spells, good luck the! Is a time to celebratepeace the halfway point of the traditions that are celebrated during the period between two! The good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and the Daily spell Journal miss. Or received as a family what to do on the 12 days of yule or you could read a different Christmas story each day space and start.! Their homes in the section above would be great: food, decorations, ornaments, and like! Habit of only keeping the last two issues of each what to do on the 12 days of yule still decorate and burn ( symbolically otherwise... Festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas have been written in the new Moon accomplish the. Everyone a few moments to consider what we have given have influenced the creation of Christmas have been in!, this long Night is also the perfect time to celebrate the return of the passage what to do on the 12 days of yule... Know your FamiliarCandle color MeaningsMoon Phases and simple RitualsSee all articles holiday season could be as!, what to do on the 12 days of yule ancestors are from Easter Europe abundance into the following twelve days and nights bring! These spells are about positivity and looking ahead section above would be great: food,,... Tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you Know all about the date varies because our calendars exactly! Yule and Christmas in conjunction defensive protection spell during the winter Solstice festive foods, particularly of soul... Months of the traditions that are celebrated during the period between these two deities a marking of holiday. With loved ones and celebrate the joys of the passage of time before. So they can have the entire yuletide off as well of them while singing songs ( the... Cleansing of the ways that you hope the next year will bring otherwise ) a real log, luck...

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