History of Yule

Before Christianity, there was an ancient tradition celebrated by our ancestors this was referred to as Yule. Most of the commonly associated Christmas traditions of today in fact come from this celebration, one of the sun, rebirth, renewal and continued life. But what is Yule you might ask? This Pagan celebration which centres around Norse and Celtic cultures. Yule, and yuletide are commonly used in association with Christmas, it however is vastly different then the Christian Holiday. The word Yule itself is Old English, with a Norse equivalent it refers to an outdoor festival which is centred around Winter Solstice, the halfway point of the winter season. After solstice takes place (the shortest day of the year) the days once again stat getting longer. On this day, the earth's axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. The festival celebrates the return of the sun, a rebirth of the land if you will, restoring its fertility once again for another year. Light is the important element of this festival; candles, bonfires, twinkle lights, even the lighting of the “Christmas tree” holds importance as it represents the light returning to our lives once again. This is a time of reflection and connection. Reflecting the past year, on what lies ahead. Connecting with those we love, but also connecting with our land once again. Never in past years has Yule held such importance as it does this year. We our desperately trying to reconnect with our land again. As we turn the ashes of our life into a new home, preparing the land for the animals it will one day nourish again. Asking for new luck as we return home, to the place we belong. The seasons played an extremely important part to the lives of our ancestors as their existence depended on it, being hunters and spending the vast majority of their time outdoors. While the celebrations for Yule differ from culture to culture there is one predominant main celebration, and that is a great feast, usually accompanied by caroling, drinking and dancing.. It is our ancestors belief that it is the time of the year the Holly King ( the representation of the dark half of the year) retreats making way for the Oak King. The every changing seasons represented by two battling gods, sum up this season perfectly. This is relatable to most people in life, the light and the dark. The battle/ balance of our natures. Plants are an important part to Yule, bringing the outside in. Evergreen trees represent the continuation of life, they are full and plentiful while other trees lose their leaves for the season. Holly is a representation of the Holly King; it was once considered a sacred plant symbolizing protection. Ivy is a reminder that life continues, it is said to represent loyalty. Hanging Ivy is a symbolization of the strength of the family bond. Mistletoe represents peace making and the end of discord. It was rumoured you laid down your arms when met under a mistletoe Another plant that is associated with rebirth is Birch this is due to the fact its often the first tree to remerge in a forest that has burned. Fun side note a birch stick is also the weapon of choice for Krampus. Those who might not know Krampus is a mythical Yuletide demon who punishes naughty children every December Yule time set focus on new beginnings. Practice gratitude and celebrate the coming of the light. Ways in which yules was celebrated was. Sending out yule cards, cleansing rituals, alters, prayers to welcome back the sun, feasting. Other ways of celebration came in the way of bonfires, ritual sacrifices, and gift-giving. What is now the yule log was once an entire tree. The tree would feed the fire for 12 days, from Christmas day until January 5th. Now known as the 12 days… which the Yule log is more commonly a dessert. However, you choose to celebrate the Holiday season we hope that it is filled with so much love.