Yes, i am aware yule has started, however i feel that since its not over yet, its still a good time to educate!! So happy yule, and lets take some time to learn about it!
Yule is a festival of the Winter Solstice [shortest day of the year] historically observed by Germanic peoples that got integrated into Christmas, during the Christianization of the Germanic peoples.
★﹒┊Where does it come from? ⁔⁔
Yule celebrations are believed to have originated from the Norse festival of jol, which focuses on themes of light, fire, and feasting. Some historians suggest sacrifices were a significant part of the observance, possibly to gods or the dead [or both!]. It was argued that the original festival of Yule was a Norse day of the dead, with Odin [or Jolnir] acting as the god of the dead, however this has been disputed as a new year festival to set the tone for the coming months.
★﹒┊How is yule celebrated? ⁔⁔
It is thought that the original Yule log was a large log that was ceremoniously lit on Christmas Eve and kept burning for the twelve nights of Christmas, leading up to Twelfth Night. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log eaten at sometime during the season.
During Yule, many cattle are slaughtered due to being unable to be fed during harsh winters, thus giving a hearty feast for all during the winter months. It also meant that offerings could be left out for the gods. After the 9th century when King Haakon Haraldsson went to visit England, everyone was required to have ale from a measure of grain and keep the holiday while the ale lasted or else be subject to a fine.
A remaining tradition in many areas is the Yule goat, made from straw, believed to have originated in ancient times as a tribute to Thor, who rode in a chariot pulled by goats. In Sweden, the goat is associated with Christmas celebrations and Santa Claus. Many homes also decorate with nature seen as important, like pinecones, candles [white, red, gold, silver and green], holly as a form of protection, mistletoe for love, and more!
Currently, Yule is observed by many Neo-Pagans and Wiccans as the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, with rituals to welcome the Sun's return. Some reenact Celtic legends [like the battle of the Holly king and Oak king], recreate ancient Norse traditions [like burning yule], or staying awake until dawn to observe nature's cycles
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Fact OTD:
The yule log is a different wood type in every culture that celebrates! In England, oak is the wood of choice for the Yule log, while Scotland prefers birch. In France, cherry wood is used, and the log is even sprinkled with wine before burning, filling the air with a delightful aroma.
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