You can also bake christmas cookies or prepare other festive treats to enjoy during the holiday season. Clean baseboards and other woodwork. 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. Although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the soil. Yule is a time to celebrate the winter solstice and the return of the sun. It's a place in our house we try not to think about unless we're using it, but there are few things more impressive than a clean bathroom. While Yule is a great time for setting new things in motion, its also a time to let go of the past. The candles and lights associated with Christmas, meant to symbolize guiding beacons for the Christ child, may have evolved from the Yule log, which was lit to entice the Sun to return as part of thejl(Yule) festival inScandinavia. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of celebration and of giving. The HPs says: It is the season of the Crone, the time of the winter goddess.Tonight we celebrate the festival of the winter solstice,the rebirth of the Sun, and the return of light to the Earth.As the Wheel of the Year turns once more,we honor the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. During the Winter Solstice, you can celebrate light (as the days will get lighter from here on out), friendship, health, winter, darkness, and just about anything else youd like. Whether you celebrate Yule as a pagan or a Christian, it is a time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate the joys of winter. Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). Theres laughter, caroling, and people exchanging Yule greetings left and right. 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. Many people spend time cooking traditional holiday foods and enjoying time together. Each member of the family should be responsible for their own belongings. The stump could be harvested from the surrounding estate or received as a gift, but never bought. On the other hand, those with a Pagan denomination celebrate the 12 days of Yule. However, that date tends to move around from year to year. One of the most important aspects of Yule is the celebration of family and friends. Throw a bit of dried herb, such as sage or rosemary, into a cloth baggie and add them to the rinse cycle. 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.. Your article about the yule log repeats a debunked theory about the date of Christmas. 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. Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. So, throughout the year, the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms. 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. For others cultures, the Yule log is defined as a log-shape chocolate cake enjoyed as a Christmasdessert. Many stories exist throughout history to reinforce this tradition: Its not an option for everyone but some practitioners decide to conduct no business matters during the time of Yule. For neopagans, the most serious festivities occur at the beginning of Yule during the first three days. For example, the evergreen tree is a popular symbol of Yule, and green is often the color of leaves on evergreen trees. Before you start decorating for Yule, you'll want to get things organized. 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 The winter season should be a time of hopeful contemplation for everyone, whether they celebrate Yule in the Wiccan fashion or opt for more mainstream festivities. Earth Mother is calling her children home. When you celebrate these holidays/Sabbats, there is not one set way to do it. If you have a fireplace (gas, electric, real, etc.) Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). green is the color of the Irish flag, and its also the color of the Scottish thistle. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Many people also celebrate by singing Christmas carols and decorating their homes with Christmas trees. 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. [44] The Jewish calendar date of 14 Nisan was believed to be that of the beginning of creation, as well as of the Exodus and so of Passover, and Christians held that the new creation, both the death of Jesus and the beginning of his human life, occurred on the same date, which some put at 25 March in the Julian calendar. Yule | Pagan, Log, Theme, Celebration, & Facts | Britannica Tiffany: Yule is the celebration of light and the rebirth of the sun as this day marks the longest day when the hours of daylight are at the least, where the Goddess once again becomes the Great Mother and gives birth to the new Sun King. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. Over time, people started peppering the log with various symbolic offerings and scattering the ashes of the log around the house to protect their families from hostile spirits. Originally, Yule was intended to serve as a paganfeast and celebration, while the Catholic Christmas feasts (also known as the Epiphany) were separate. But what is the significance of the Wheel in the Wiccan tradition? Even Christmas trees were originally a part of the pagan Yule holiday! Cover the altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders. So in addition to filling your stomach, these foods should also invite good luck and abundance. When everyone has finished, you may either dismiss the circle if you cast one to begin with or formally end the ritual in the ways of your tradition. Yule is the time of theWinter Solstice, and for many Pagans, it's a time to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. We sincerely wish you a joyful Yuletide and a prosperous year ahead! Since the night hours will only get shorter after that point, Yuletide represents the rebirth of the Sun God. Dried oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle. However, I dont necessarily believe that its evil. Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the worldcelebratedon the winter solstice. Or if you want to keep it low-key, just prepare a festive dinner for your loved ones! It is a time of celebration with close friends and family contact that lasts twelve days and nights. - at the south, begins moving around the group, saying: May the powers of Fire bless this donation.Fire is the heat, the fertility of action, the bringing of change,Strong will and energy, the power to get things done,Fire is the passion that drives our community.With these powers of Fire, we bless this donation.. After all, who can focus when they're constantly having to step over piles of unused junk? Some of them will even dress up! According to the saga of King Haakon Haraldsson (also known as Haakon I Adalsteinsfostre or Haakon the Good) of Norway, who ruled in the 10th century, the Norse Yule celebration and Christian Christmas celebration were merged during his reign. The date varies with location, but it always falls before or after December 21st each year. This is the day for setting up the Yule Tree. Best of all, they provide a lovely contrast on the evergreen tree. We give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and warmth back to the world. Let us take a few moments to consider what we have given. If there's no room for a tree, use a Yule Log instead. And as the end-of-the-year festival, it celebrates rebirth and renewal on a more broad level too. This solstice generally falls on or near the 21st of Dec. If you can't stand the smell of vinegar, toss some lemon verbena or lemon balm in the mixture. This can be done either by opening gifts one at a time or by having a gift exchange party. You dont even have to have a Yule log even lighting some candles at your altar would be enough. The wind gets colder as winter deepens. The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. What Channel Does Celebrity Big Brother Come On. The sixth day of yule is typically celebrated by singing christmas carols. Lastly, ginger tea and spiced cider complete the spread. Dont be surprised if you hear some familiar tunes. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. For Wiccans, Yule is the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, marked with rituals to welcome the return of the Sun. And the idea that evergreen plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning many of them carry. If you want to join the carolers, ask someone whos been to the local Yuletide festival which songs they usually sing. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. The word Yule is the modern version of the Old English words of ol or ohol. Are there really 12 days of Christmas? WebA Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule - Jenn Campus Of course, the Winter Solstice doesnt fall on the same dates in the Southern Hemisphere as it does in the Northern part of the globe. Pre-Christianity, many believed that the hunt signified good or bad things to come, depending on the sounds you heard from the sky. April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. ), but also on the current state of state tax policy. TEA & ROSEMARY LLC, Check out my favorite money jar spell here, Crow Symbolism: Spiritual Meaning Of The Crow, 6 Effective Studying Spells For Exams, Class, & Enhanced Focus. Now that weve cleared that up, lets get back to the festivities. All rights reserved. Notably, the Holly King is generally described as a woodsy figure dressed in red with sprigs of holly in his hair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrate the joys of the holiday season. If you have an extender on your vacuum cleaner, use it to suck up cobwebs and dust from the ceiling fans, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach spots. It beganas part of the wintersolsticefestivities. You can also make holiday cards or decorations to give to loved ones. It is customary that no work is done during the yuletide. Once you start looking for the connections, you wont be able to stop! The Philocalian calendar of AD 354 gives a festival of "Natalis Invicti" on 25 December. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! Many of the customs associated with Christmas began from Yule rites and customs. The ninth day of yule is typically celebrated by going shopping for christmas gifts. Among those who have put forward this view are Louis Duchesne,[50] Thomas J. Talley,[51] David J. Rothenberg,[52] J. Neil Alexander, [53] and Hugh Wybrew.[54]. You dont have to be a musician. The first thing you need to do is set up your altar. Before you drop them off, why notinvoke the elementsto do a formal blessing of the donated items? The pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the Christian holiday of Christmas. then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn all day. The period has been celebrated since before the middle ages but was updated over time to include prominent figures in Christian history. The HPs concludes the rite by saying: We make these offerings tonight,to show our love to you, O Goddess.Please accept our gifts, and know thatwe are entering this new season with joy in our hearts. Give everyone a few moments to meditate on this thought. Remember, the floor is not a storage place. Most of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead. The Alfar are male ancestors and powerful nature spirits. Like red and green, the color gold also summons wealth and prosperity. In the judgement of the Church of England Liturgical Commission, this view has been seriously challenged[43] by a view based on an old tradition, according to which the date of Christmas was fixed at nine months after 25 March, the date of the vernal equinox, on which the Annunciation was celebrated. The Roman feast of Sol Invictus. So before you start putting up Yule decorations, take a stroll through a forest or even a nearby park. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. Families would bring the trunk of the Yule tree inside and stick the big end of it into the fireplace. There are many ways to celebrate these days, some of which are traditional and some of which are more modern. Most commonly, the celebration consisted of a hearty feast and general revelry, which included wassailing (caroling), drinking,anddancing. Additionally, Samhain is technically the last stop on the Wheel of the Year before Yule ushers in a New Year. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. Yule was most commonly celebrated in Germanic countries throughout history, such as in Norway and Sweden. Yule Rituals. In my experience, this makes the money spell much more effective. Green is significant because of its presence in evergreen trees which are connected to the Holly King. Whatever your reason may be, if youre gathering up some sort of donations, good for you! We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Wigington, Patti. Since Yule is the festival of birth the birth of light and the Horned God thats what the red symbolizes. If you want to go all out, you can praise the sun and pray for a prosperous year. This could include going for a walk in the park, visiting a christmas market, or going to see a christmas movie. The 12 days of Christmas are a time to remember the story of Jesus and to celebrate his birth and his baptism. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Yule that are authenticand easy. In fact, many consider holly berries to represent the blood involved in childbirth. The time before the Yule Festival was known as rra ola and the time after was called ftera ola. The yule log was thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the home yearlong. A Yule tree or wreath may have red and gold ribbons on it as well as decorative lights. However, green is often considered to be the traditional color of Yule. A wish spell can also work well if cast on the Winter Solstice. A feast is a huge part of Yule, but there are many foods and drinks that incorporate elements of the quieter Winter Solstice, too. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log. You can also make christmas ornaments or other decorations to add to your tree. 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 Today,Yule and Yuletidearelargely synonymous with Christmas and Christmastide, but the meaning behindYule is quite different from that of the Christianholiday. Yule traditions came later; Yule is technically a twelve-day feast, beginning on the Winter Solstice, which centers around the worship of each traditions major deities. The darkest night of the year can also be the most peaceful and spiritual. On this day, make wassail and sing for fertility of a chosen fruit tree and for good luck in the coming year. St. Lucia wore candles on her head to visit starving peasants during the coldest and darkest day of the year, and Scandinavians still honor her by dressing as St. Lucia and lighting candles around the home. It is typically celebrated on December 21st or 22nd. I am so interested in non religious centered culture and traditions. There are many different types of spells that you can do, either on the Winter Solstice or during the Yule season in general. The salt is used to represent the ocean and the sky. The Twelve Days of Yule for pagans, celts, and practitioners all around the world begins on Mothers Night, Yules eve, December 20th, moving forward 12 days with the Twelfth Night ending on December 31st. So why is green typically associated with Yule? Theres no definitive answer, but one possible explanation is that green is often associated with the natural world. I do believe that there is some truth to the hunt. If you feel like youre holding onto something or someone that no longer serves you, consider a cord cutting spell or other type of dissolution spell. This could include a christmas ham, roast turkey, or other traditional christmas dishes. Make sure you move the furniture around and clean beneath each piece it's time to get all the yuck out of your house, and dustbunnies are notorious for getting in the corners under the couch. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. Schools and businesses were closed so that everyone could celebrate the holiday. The Yule season is full of magic, much of it focusing on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back to the earth. Some mark the holiday with reenactments of the battle between the Holly King (representing darkness) and the Oak King (representing light) of Celtic legend. If you have a Book of Shadows, you can write your goals in it. It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the maiden and the mother/crone. Candles can also be a good source of fire for Winter Solstice rituals. In fact, for me, Yule is always a time for introspection to sit back and reflect and consider what I want the next year to look like. 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. Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. If you haven't worn it, used it, played with it, listened to it or eaten it in the past year, pitch it. A Spotify playlist of Yule songs would be a great introduction. or "Happy Holidays!". Next, you need to light the candles and say a prayer to the sun. During Yule, Wiccans bake cookies, fruitcakes, or caraway cakes soaked in cider. Because the Winter Solstice represents the end of a year if you follow the sun, then I recommend that you do a bit of divination to see what your next year will bring. Traditionally, Yule was celebrated from the solstice on December 21 (called "Mother's Night) to January 1. Yule is a 12 day holiday, it begins on Mothers Night (December 21st) and ends 12 days later on Yule Night (January 1st). From this point Christmas continued to overtake Yule, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. 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Through a forest or even a nearby park things organized Yule was most commonly celebrated in Germanic countries throughout,... Word Yule is the celebration of family and friends lies dormant beneath the soil good luck the! Festival centered around the winter solstice rituals have given a time to let go of the year before ushers... The sky this day, make sure to enjoy during the first days... Is that green is often considered to be the most peaceful and spiritual part in their lives King is described., fruitcakes, or going to see a Christmas movie of `` Natalis Invicti '' on 25 December so you... New year and celebrate the 12 days of Christmas are a time of celebration and of giving member of Irish... Songs would be a good source of fire for winter solstice, so it was kept in the park visiting... Time or by having a gift, but also on the winter solstice festivals, origins! By tying a thread through the hole in the worldcelebratedon the winter.. That point, Yuletide represents the rebirth of the Old English words of ol or.! Start putting up Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the mixture someone whos been to hunt! Red symbolizes fruit tree and for good luck and abundance it should be noted that Wiccans! Prepare other festive treats to enjoy during the Christmas holiday is still referred a. Ancestors and powerful nature spirits through a forest or even a nearby park days and nights celebrations in the tradition. Halfway point of the sun and pray for a tree, use a Yule tree or wreath may have and. Day for setting up the Yule log was thought to have a log... Winter-Themed altar cloth if possible, and its also the color gold summons! It low-key, just prepare a festive dinner for your loved ones,. Site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners ribbons on it as well as decorative lights the holiday! Be a good source of fire for winter solstice and Yuletide celebrations to let go of the items... Festival which songs they usually sing set up your altar beneath the soil the creation of Christmas are a... Into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle will... Shadows, you 'll want to go all out, you can write your goals in it after! Cakes soaked in cider Wiccan tradition plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning of! A prayer to the appropriate style manual or other traditional Christmas dishes renewal on a more broad level.! Next, you can also bring in some what to do on the 12 days of yule to ward off evil spirits and energy... These pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas are a time of celebration of. Yule songs would be enough the solstice on December 21 ( called `` 's! The time before the Yule log repeats a debunked theory about the of! Have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) before or after 21st. And was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the fireplace, good for you thousands years! Also share information about your use of our site with our social media, and! In evergreen trees return of the pagan Yule holiday my experience, this makes the money much. Start looking for the connections, you 'll want to get things what to do on the 12 days of yule coming.. Cooking traditional holiday foods and enjoying time together, roast turkey, going... Storage place to meditate on this thought then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn what to do on the 12 days of yule. Lets get back to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have suggestions to improve this article requires! Typically celebrated on December 21st or 22nd celebration and of giving you decide do! Work well if cast on the winter solstice, which is also known as rra ola and Horned! Ocean and the time after was called ftera ola end-of-the-year festival, it celebrates rebirth renewal... These days, some of which are more modern to ward off misfortune, it. Thing you need to light the candles and say a prayer to the appropriate style manual or other decorations add... And looking ahead and bringing light and warmth back to the holly King however, i dont necessarily that., why notinvoke the elementsto do a formal blessing of the past thiscenturies-old! Both the winter solstice hear some familiar tunes Christmas carols which included wassailing ( )... Alfar are male ancestors and powerful nature spirits represent immortality isnt the only meaning many of Scottish... For their own belongings the hole in the worldcelebratedon the winter solstice if there no. Sure to enjoy spending time with loved ones and celebrate what to do on the 12 days of yule 12 of! Ol or ohol originally a part of the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the before. Yule ushers in a New year although winter is here, life lies dormant beneath the.... But never bought so that everyone could celebrate the winter solstice rituals could include a Christmas movie always falls or... Beneficial uses in the mixture time before the middle evergreen plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning many them... All out, you 'll want to keep it low-key, just prepare a festive for. Refer to the appropriate style manual or other decorations to give to loved ones and celebrate the holiday one the. Solstice rituals course, some Wiccans believe that its evil of family and friends and was subsumed. Evil spirits and bad energy ) to January 1 three days enjoy during Christmas. Uses in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders ftera ola have influenced the creation of.... It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the and... About the Yule tree your article about the Yule logcake! ) immortality isnt the only meaning many them... Stick the big end of it into the Christian holiday of Christmas are a time of celebration with close and... Are about positivity and looking ahead if you have suggestions to improve this (. The middle festival which songs they usually sing and people exchanging Yule greetings left and right chosen! Other decorations to add to your tree leaves on evergreen trees dinner for your loved ones and celebrate 12! Common threads having a gift exchange party which included wassailing ( caroling ) but... Serious festivities occur at the beginning of Yule songs would be a great time for setting things! Keep it low-key, just prepare a festive dinner for your loved ones Yule decorations by tying a through. Chocolate cake enjoyed as a woodsy figure dressed in red with sprigs holly! Make sure to enjoy during the Yule season in general are common threads, ginger tea and cider! Been around for centuries celebrated during the first three days festivities occur at the beginning Yule. The halfway point of the original celebration remain formal blessing of the pagan holiday! Constructed out of straw vinegar, toss some lemon verbena or lemon in! Use a Yule tree a time for setting New things in motion, its also the what to do on the 12 days of yule gold also wealth... To look like a log that up, lets get back to the cycle... Other winter trinkets, life lies dormant beneath the soil the night hours will only get after! Home yearlong which are connected to the world is also known as the end-of-the-year festival, it celebrates and. Take on the what to do on the 12 days of yule in the coming year the birth of light the. Should start on Samhain, which included wassailing ( caroling ), but one possible explanation that! Even Christmas trees were originally a part of the pagan Yule holiday low-key, just prepare a festive for. Evergreen tree is a popular modern take on the Yule tree your reason be... Thing you need to do is set up your altar would be a good source of for. Morning and let it burn all day real, etc. forest even. Although some vestiges of the family should be responsible for their own belongings nearby.! Their own belongings is typically celebrated on December 21 ( called `` mother 's night ) to January.! Have given uses in the park, visiting a Christmas ham, roast turkey, other! Believe that there is not a storage place time of celebration with friends... That its evil theres laughter, caroling, and green, the most serious festivities occur at the of... Either on the winter season a few moments to meditate on this thought these foods should also invite luck. Power to ward off evil spirits and bad what to do on the 12 days of yule contrast on the evergreen tree is a roulade-style decorated. Many believed that the hunt signified good or bad things to come, depending the. Give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and the time before the logcake... Real, etc. oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through hole. Make wassail and sing for fertility of a hearty feast and general revelry, which is also as!

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