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| Decorated Yule Log |
Yule is the winter solstice celebration of the welcoming of the sun and light back to the world by Pagans. The winter solstice itself is on the 21st of December this year. Now I know this post is long past the solstice, but it is still Yuletide which ends on the 1st of January next year.
There are many different beliefs that coincide with the winter solstice. For the Norse, Odin is said to ride his eight-legged horse across the sky- Perhaps this is where Father Christmas/Frost/Noel and Santa Claus with his reindeer is derived from.
Some look to the battle between the Holly and Oak kings being just one story for Yule or Befana who rides a broom giving gifts to children.. or even the Krampus, a demonlike creature who takes naughty children away. There are also many other cultures across the world that celebrate the same topic with different names. Saturnalia being the Roman equivalent and Hanukka the Jewish. But the main contender that many argue holds similar traditions to Yule is Christmas, the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth which over the many years it has been around; has incorporated Pagan traditions and symbols into its own practices in order to promote conversion to Christianity. If you interested in the specific celebrations or the history I've mentioned so far, feel free to expand your knowledge and get googling. Learnreligions.com is a very useful website for this. So I hope you will utilise that blog as much as this one.
What traditions of Yule can I Practice?
Pretty much anything goes at this time of year! Just remember to be kind, grateful, giving, respectful and to have fun. You may choose to do a ritual for the new year or to give thanks for all the hard work the universe has provided, definitely decorate your Altar and house and give offerings if you can on your Altars as with other Pagan Solstices and Equinoxs'. As this is a personal choice I'll leave what you do to yourself. Though just remember the consider your surroundings and if it will affect anyone or anything negatively. ( I say this because within the last week someone nailed 12 bits of chicken wings to a tree, carved a rune into it and decorated the tree with a red bow- not very considerate of wildlife and plant life- nor of if it would upset anyone who saw it). I always try to consider if it will hurt the earth, an animal/person, anger any spiritual force/ being (Sidhe may not approve) or someone's psyche before coming up with a plan for a ritual. I also nearly set fire to my house the other day with a candle too close to my prosperity for new year simmer pot spell. SAFETY NOTE: SMOTHER A FIRE IN A CANDLE NOT WATER IT
Wassailing
Wassailing, commonly known as carolling, is the act of singing to the neighbours and rich and the receiving of treats in return. Figgy pudding is a traditional treat given to Wassailers and is even mentioned in the Christmas carol " We wish you a Merry Christmas" Wassail is also a mulled cider beverage served to wassailers via a communal bowl. This cidre was very much like Mulled wine, spiced with cinnamon and cloves but topped with toast as an interesting treat.
What traditions of Yule can I Practice?
Pretty much anything goes at this time of year! Just remember to be kind, grateful, giving, respectful and to have fun. You may choose to do a ritual for the new year or to give thanks for all the hard work the universe has provided, definitely decorate your Altar and house and give offerings if you can on your Altars as with other Pagan Solstices and Equinoxs'. As this is a personal choice I'll leave what you do to yourself. Though just remember the consider your surroundings and if it will affect anyone or anything negatively. ( I say this because within the last week someone nailed 12 bits of chicken wings to a tree, carved a rune into it and decorated the tree with a red bow- not very considerate of wildlife and plant life- nor of if it would upset anyone who saw it). I always try to consider if it will hurt the earth, an animal/person, anger any spiritual force/ being (Sidhe may not approve) or someone's psyche before coming up with a plan for a ritual. I also nearly set fire to my house the other day with a candle too close to my prosperity for new year simmer pot spell. SAFETY NOTE: SMOTHER A FIRE IN A CANDLE NOT WATER IT
Wassailing
Wassailing, commonly known as carolling, is the act of singing to the neighbours and rich and the receiving of treats in return. Figgy pudding is a traditional treat given to Wassailers and is even mentioned in the Christmas carol " We wish you a Merry Christmas" Wassail is also a mulled cider beverage served to wassailers via a communal bowl. This cidre was very much like Mulled wine, spiced with cinnamon and cloves but topped with toast as an interesting treat.
Beverages
Mulled Wine, Wassail, and Eggnog are all spiced drinks served during wintertime. Personally, I like a good clove and apple tea or I will even heat up store-bought ice tea and sip that. I've been drinking warm tea at wintertime for as long as I can remember and can remember my mother bringing it out to me as a made a snowman with my sister and we stood in the crisp air cold, warming our hands and sipping lemon tea looking at the silver sky happily. That memory I must have been 4 years old easily. Hot chocolate is also a family favourite which I like to make as close to the original way as possible- with a chunk of dark chocolate melted in warm milk- so bad for you but so good. I like to sweeten it with cream, caramel or condensed milk. I know very naughty.
Mulled Wine, Wassail, and Eggnog are all spiced drinks served during wintertime. Personally, I like a good clove and apple tea or I will even heat up store-bought ice tea and sip that. I've been drinking warm tea at wintertime for as long as I can remember and can remember my mother bringing it out to me as a made a snowman with my sister and we stood in the crisp air cold, warming our hands and sipping lemon tea looking at the silver sky happily. That memory I must have been 4 years old easily. Hot chocolate is also a family favourite which I like to make as close to the original way as possible- with a chunk of dark chocolate melted in warm milk- so bad for you but so good. I like to sweeten it with cream, caramel or condensed milk. I know very naughty.
There are many traditions that are universal this time of year- Tree decorating is a family favourite in my house. Every year we get a new bauble for the tree. The Romans would decorate a small tree with tin decorations for Saturnalia, those in Europe would decorate outdoor spruces with garlands and decorations from what they had (dried fruit, pine cones, wood, candles/lanterns as well as metalwork)... Even in Bodhi the Buddhist faith, a fig tree is used - though you will have to research if it's decorated or not. Later tinsel, made of silver, was invented in Germany as well as glass Baubles. One tradition in Germany is to hang a pickle in the tree to find. Nowadays you can buy or rent a fresh tree or use an artificial one, others choose to decorate their outside foliage too. There is no wrong way to decorate a tree so do what you like. Stars for the top of a tree are believed to have pagan roots to the Pentagram and pentacle, but in Christianity, it symbolises the Star that the 3 Magi (Wisemen, Kings) Melkior, Balthazar and Kaspar followed to Bethlehem. We opt for what can only be described as colour and chaos- we literally throw every shade, shape and style of the bauble, random coloured tinsel and rainbow colour changing lights on it- it takes hours to decorate! but with some festive music, something to nibble on it comes together quite quickly and whilst it may be a nightmare for some. We're perfectly happy with it.
Yule Log
A Yule log is a piece of wood, usually a log, that is lit and burnt for twelve days during the winter solstice/ yuletide period as a protective ritual of the hearth (home) from illness, the cold, evil and bad luck. Nowadays the Yule log has become more of a decorative piece and in some cases, a chocolate cake alternative is eaten, but it is still decorated and burnt by many practising Pagans.
Wreathes
Wreaths were originally hung on the outside of a house as a form of protection, usually containing dried fruit/veg (Citrus, Juniper, Apples), cinnamon, herbs (cloves, nutmeg, and star anise), flowers (poinsettia, winter roses) and foliage like holly, mistletoe and pine (Pinecones are especially protective). You can make your own fairly cheap via kits or drying your own items, or you could buy a ready-made one. I keep a wreathe of Lavender and dried flowers in my bedroom also- all year round as not only are they good for protecting your home but make wonderful room decor. What you use to make a wreath, combined with your intentions will create a wreathe with a specific use. So make sure you do your research before you make one.
Candles
As the winter solstice is about the return of light and the sun, it would make sense to use candles as part of your yuletide practice. The Jewish light a Menorah for Hanukka and Christians also use candles at this time of year. White, Red, Green, Brown, Silver and Gold Candles are all a fantastic start for colour choices. When in doubt though go for white! White can be programmed with any intent after all and is a protective colour. Many opt for pillar or taper candles at this time of year but I prefer to use what I have which a jar candles, at least I can decorate the bottom of them with a bit of tinsel! You can carve sigils and runes into your candles too which is a great idea for ritual work.
A kiss under the mistletoe
Traditionally mistletoe is protective and considered a fertility aid, usually hung outside an entrance to the home, ceilings, beds and windows. The acts of kissing under the mistletoe actually come from something a bit saucier- making babies under the mistletoe which was believed to help with conception and a stronger pregnancy. The family-friendly version is, of course, a kiss that's seen as sweet and romantics. It's also a symbol of internal life, prosperity and used to ensure a good harvest.
Returning to it's usual believed effect... the belief of a strong pregnancy may hold some backing to ensuring pregnancy goes well- but not due to the mistletoe itself but the act of baby-making during wintertime. Conception in winter means that as spring and summer come ( when the baby is developing in the womb rapidly and the mother requires more energy), so does an increase of food, energy and nutrients that are available to a pregnant woman to consume.
Holly
Holly is the evergreen twin to Mistletoe and shares the same metaphysical properties- it's used as a symbolism for the sun and for the Holly king as well as eternity (according to Druid beliefs). In Christianity, it is used to represent Christ's thorny crown and the blood he bled as he was walking with his crucifixion cross to his death.
Holly has also been used as a medicinal aid for whooping cough and as a pain killer for broken bones ( though it's not safe for children and not fabulous for adults either). Now don't go brewing up some form of holly juice- and definitely don't eat mistletoe. Both are toxic. But if you take into account what it is used for as well as it's metaphysical properties, it stands to reason that Holly was used to warding off colds and warding from other illnesses during winter.
Flowers
Feasting
Like most holidays across all cultures. Feasting is a big part of Winter celebrations. It's a time to use up your preserved food and cook and eat the last bits of seasonal food you have available. Now naturally this will be personal for everyone. For me, it's pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) with mash potatoes and gravy, with a chocolate cake with custard for pudding. For my mum it's a turkey roast dinner one day followed by a turkey salad, then my dad's turkey curries the next few days after until we have eaten all our winter food.
Tonight is one of the curry nights and tomorrow I will be making pancakes with lemon syrup and fresh oranges. We also have fruit cake which my mother drizzles rum into for months before we eat it. I'm not keen on fruit cake but i absolutely love decorating the cake with fondant- word of advice get yourself a holly shaped cookie cutter if you want to decorate a winter-themed cake as I spent 2 hours trying to make leaves by hand. Some things it's ok to cheat with
Like most holidays across all cultures. Feasting is a big part of Winter celebrations. It's a time to use up your preserved food and cook and eat the last bits of seasonal food you have available. Now naturally this will be personal for everyone. For me, it's pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon) with mash potatoes and gravy, with a chocolate cake with custard for pudding. For my mum it's a turkey roast dinner one day followed by a turkey salad, then my dad's turkey curries the next few days after until we have eaten all our winter food.
Tonight is one of the curry nights and tomorrow I will be making pancakes with lemon syrup and fresh oranges. We also have fruit cake which my mother drizzles rum into for months before we eat it. I'm not keen on fruit cake but i absolutely love decorating the cake with fondant- word of advice get yourself a holly shaped cookie cutter if you want to decorate a winter-themed cake as I spent 2 hours trying to make leaves by hand. Some things it's ok to cheat with
These items are traditionally known as the gifts given to Jesus Christ by the 3 Magi, but did you know that they are also used in Yule practices as ways to bring good luck and aid in spiritual work by Witches? Myrrh and Frankincense usually come in a resin format and burnt on a charcoal disk; however, oils and incense can be bought if you wanted to do some spiritual cleansing or use them in rituals
Fun fact!
It is believed the 3 Magi were also spiritualists and magicians. For a bit of fun why not watch Los Reyes Magos by Antonio Navarro. It is supposed to be a Christian children's film at first but unlike most biblical stories- this focusses on the journey and the magic used by the 3 Magi in order to receive their gifts for Christ. But of course, any festive movie you like is perfect to snuggle up to.
Traditionally Oranges with cloves stabbed into it (Called Pomanders), citrus and other small protective or edible items like Apples were gifted during wintertime. Handmade gifts also were popular and often gifts were given throughout Yuletide- especially towards the end. This gets me in a bit of trouble with my parents as gifts I will open throughout Yuletide, but my parents believe it should be on Christmas day- The joys of a mixed belief household. I do however reserve family gifts for the 25th and only open gifts from friends before then. Just remember when you're getting or making your gifts, it's not about the size, it's not about how expensive it is or about extravagance. A gift should come from the heart with a warm kind intent and never expect anything in return. Yule is also about family and friends so hold them close- providing its covid safe to do so.
I think I will leave it here for now. As always this blog is to inspire further research, not give you all the answers. But I hope you all had a wonderful Winter Solstice and enjoying the Yuletide celebrations. As all ways Stay safe and have a Happy New Year!
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