After all, that is when the shortest day is on that side of the planet. 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. There are many traditional foods that are eaten during Yule, such as ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots. Learn Wicca to gain a sense of purpose, inner peace, and so much more. Of course, selecting March 25 for the conception was also rather arbitrary, it being calculated [?] So before you start putting up Yule decorations, take a stroll through a forest or even a nearby park. Check out my favorite money jar spell here. Perhaps someone in this group will benefit from what others have contributed. The tenth day of yule is typically celebrated by going to a christmas concert or other festive event. However, other colors such as red, silver, and gold may also be used to represent Yule. Lastly, Yule is a wonderful time to celebratepeace. This tradition originated in Norway, where people would put a large ash log onto the hearth on the night of the Winter Solstice to celebrate the return of the sun. Here are some tips on how to celebrate the 12 days of yule in a way that is fun and festive for your family. Yule is a 12 day holiday, it begins on Mothers Night (December 21st) and ends 12 days later on Yule Night (January 1st). Holiday Tree Blessing Ritual. Do this ritual to help clear out your physical space in the weeks before Yule arrives. By taking some hours during Decembers lead-up period to deep cleanse both mind and house, we can set ourselves up with an open heart without all those old mental clutter holding us back. Schools and businesses were closed so that everyone could celebrate the holiday. 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. We give what we can, when we can, to aid those in need. Its also a good time to whip up warding for the coming winter. Firefox doesnt know how to open this address, because one of the following protocols (applewebdata) isnt associated with any program or is not allowed in this context. Runes and crystals can be made it into ornaments. Become who you were meant to be! As Christianity began to spread in the 4th century, the Christmas feast day was set on December 25 by Pope Julius I to align with the Roman pagan holidayDies natalis solis invicti, the birthday of the invincible Sun. The rest ishistory. Its the day to the divination spread of The New Year. Pagan holidays are often associated with druids, so it makes sense that some of the earliest Winter Solstice rituals come from the Celtic priests of ancient Britain. On day three, we prepare a large meal together and toast to abundance, our the accomplishments of the past year and we declare our aspirations for the year to come. You can do whatever feels natural and fits into your practice best. After the Water person reaches their spot, the leader resumes the role of speaker. For example, you could make holly water by soaking holly leaves in spring water under a full moon. The Winter Solstice was celebrated as early as the Stone Age, when Newgrange in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland were constructed. Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. Other possible explanations include the fact that many Christmas traditions originated in Ireland and Scotland. I like to leave out offerings during the Winter Solstice. The twelfth day of yule is typically celebrated by eating christmas dinner. Try casting a quick spell over your tea before drinking it. Similarly, some Wiccans project a parallel ever-shifting nature onto the masculine deity. Yule is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the birth of the new year. December 21 is for self reflection and rebirth. Wigington, Patti. If you haven't worn it, used it, played with it, listened to it or eaten it in the past year, pitch it. Yuletide is the greatest holiday festival of the year. Clean your windows. We do so with no expectation of reward or celebration, but simply because it needs to be done. Yuletide concludes with the celebration on the Twelfth Night, which often coincides with the modern New Year celebrationfull of revelry, food, and drink. Then get into the habit of only keeping the last two issues of each. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. The salt is used to represent the ocean and the sky. April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. I am so interested in non religious centered culture and traditions. Move the incense around each door and window, and go through each room, following along the lines of the walls. Winter Solstice rituals almost always center around fire, so this is one element Imake sure to incorporate into my festivities. The year is coming to an end quickly, on this day one should take time to finish up any tasks left to do. Or maybe its time for a local harvest celebration, and youd like to contribute something to celebrate the season of abundance. You can also decorate a holiday tree during The sixth day of yule is typically celebrated by singing christmas carols. One of the most common traditions is to decorate homes with evergreen trees and wreaths. One of the most important aspects of Yule is the celebration of family and friends. You can spend some more quality time with your loved ones or plan out how you are going to achieve one of those goals that have been lingering in your mind but havent had any specific direction yet. You could also have a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish to share. Yule is an important holiday celebrated by many people around the world. A remainder of the yule log was kept to light the next years log. Doing so will help prepare for this joyous season as well, by creating a space free from any negative energy or memories which may have accumulated over the year past. Some of them will even dress up! Lastly, to invoke light and represent traditional Yule colors, get green, red, gold, or white candles. Later, when Christianity came to the British Isles, Christians adoptedaspects of the pagan festival into a celebration of the birth of Christ. In many modern Pagan communities, an emphasis is placed on the idea of helping those in need. 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. Are you familiar with the tradition of the Yule log? Lastly, ginger tea and spiced cider complete the spread. The Roman feast of Sol Invictus. 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. Newspapers? We sincerely wish you a joyful Yuletide and a prosperous year ahead! Light a log on one end and let it burn; feast until the log burns itself out. If you have a Book of Shadows, you can write your goals in it. The date varies because our calendars arent exactly aligned with the Sun. | Burning of the Yule Log | The Old Farmer's Almanac Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. Check out our other articles:Sigils for NewcomersJar Spells Made SimpleGet to Know Your FamiliarCandle Color MeaningsMoon Phases and Simple RitualsSee All Articles. Blessings ! Traditionally, the Lord/God or The Lady/Goddess as well as other deities were honored during these holidays. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! Another common tradition is to exchange gifts. 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. After the prayer, its time to start the celebration! A wish spell can also work well if cast on the Winter Solstice. Pagan Practice for Families with Children, Eight Things to Hang on a Pagan Holiday Tree, Items to represent the elements of earth, air, fire and water. Apple Music Classical app - HOW TO PRE-ORDER. Eastern Orthodox churches use a different religious calendar, so their 12 days of Christmas start on Jan. 7 and run through the Epiphany on Jan. 19. Use your pendulum, scry, or do a Winter Solstice tarot spread. Finally, the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone. Cant find a song honoring your chosen deity? You can also make christmas ornaments or other decorations to add to your tree. If nothing else, gathering items associated with Yule is much easier and cheaper than getting Christmas decorations. 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. Shadow work can also be done during the Winter Solstice. The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve 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. The yule log was lit on Christmas Day and burned for the following Twelve Days of Christmas. You could also have a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish to share. Since you shouldnt disturb living plants, try to only gather pine cones and evergreen twigs you find on the ground. Of the other women present, one represents the aspect of the Maiden, another the Mother, and a third the Crone. They have more meaning when you make the gift yourself or the gift can be used in magickal practice. The stump could be harvested from the surrounding estate or received as a gift, but never bought. If you find yourself celebrating Yuletide by your lonesome, there are several solitary rituals you can perform. Are there really 12 days of Christmas? When you celebrate these holidays/Sabbats, there is not one set way to do it. You'll also need a fire, so if you can do this ritual outside, that's even better. The 12 days of Yule may have been based on the 12 days of Christmas. Your article about the yule log repeats a debunked theory about the date of Christmas. Use a broom to sweep out any little bits of dirt and grime it's also a symbolic way of sweeping negative energy out of your home. Everyone present should take a few moments to meditate upon the time of the season. The darkest night of the year can also be the most peaceful and spiritual. It is a time for giving thanks Nowadays, most people simply prepare a chocolate cake to represent the log. You may wish to use this information in your spell work, or maybe you just want to decorate your home and celebrate in the theme of Yule. Happy Yule ! The other Wiccan festivals are thought to represent various points in the courtship of these two deities. But you dont have to incorporate that custom if you dont want to. There are so many different traditional Yule recipes from various cultures. About a month before Yule rolls in, start thinking about all the clutter you've accumulated over the past year. So, throughout the year, the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms. However, because this ritual invokes the four elements, and thus the four directions, you may wish to skip this step if youre pressed for time. 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. For instance, you may honor a god or goddess that expects those who have to help those who have not. It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the maiden and the mother/crone. 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. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. While Yule is a great time for setting new things in motion, its also a time to let go of the past. Some historians think that sacrifices were an important part of the observance, either to the gods and other supernatural beings (such as elves) or to the dead or both. The pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the Christian holiday of Christmas. Yule Rituals. However, this long night is also an opportunity for a cleansing of the soul, just like the New Moon. Dressing for the season is a fun and festive way to prepare for the holiday. As we have established, Yule has several symbolic interpretations. The red berries that help wild animals survive the winter give us the reds. In general, Yule recipes feature various fruits, nuts, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. DMCA. Place the Yule log on the altar, along with the candles, herbs, and salt. If you choose to open gifts one at a time, you can either do it on the second day of yule or save it for christmas day. Some people also decorate with fruit to manifest fertility and abundance in the coming year. 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. Alternatively, you can add them to a spell youll keep on your altar. Yule songs and carols are an entertaining way to celebrate the season. Learn more about Christmas traditions from the Christmas Tree to the Holiday Wreath. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. Next, the individual holding the Fire symbol - a candle, etc. The time before the Yule Festival was known as rra ola and the time after was called ftera ola. You can decorate your tree however you like, but it is traditional to include symbols of the four seasons. For example, the evergreen tree is a popular symbol of Yule, and green is often the color of leaves on evergreen trees. Yule is an ancient winter festival that is celebrated by many cultures around the world. You can also eat any other foods that you like. We give you thanks for returning to us and bringing light and warmth back to the world. In any case, Yule is only one of eight Wiccan holidays that exist on the Wheel of the Year. the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms, Holly has protective properties and is therefore useful for warding off bad luck or unwanted spirits, Mistletoe represents fertility and healing according to pagan beliefs, it loses its power if it touches the ground, which is why we hang it up, Pine also brings healing and joy into the home, Ivy represents resurrection, rebirth, and immortality, Rubies, which summon protection, prosperity, as well as love and sexual passion, Bloodstones, which boost energy, motivation, and help you make good decisions, Garnets, which are manifesting stones that can reveal your purpose, Apatite stones, which can make you more motivated to pursue your dreams, Emeralds, which summon prosperity and healing. Your journey starts here! Dried oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle. Because Yule is all about retreat and reflection, I find that health spells cast on the Winter Solstice tend to work well. The wind gets colder as winter deepens. Want to learn more about familiars, spells, dreams, tarot, crystals, herbs, and much more?Become a student of Wicca Academy today! This day is best for a gathering and feast of lamb stew and leaf bread! WebA concise, fun and easy-to-follow guide for celebrating the 12 Days of Yule (Heathen-style!). The winter solstice is the growing suns season, so gold is used to correspond with the suns power and energy. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. Day 3: The Feast of Reflection. Each member of the family should be responsible for their own belongings. Its not uncommon toattend a Pagan eventin which guests are invited to donate clothing, canned goods, toiletries, books, and even pet care products. Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. So what is the Winter Solstice all about? If you are in the woodlot, plan to cut some of that white birch into Yule logs for your friends. Its a great time to scry, connect, meditate, or do shadow work. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. From Germanic sources stories of the Goddess Berchta expected you to complete all work prior to Yule, punishing those who had left work undone. The oldest female present should take on the role of High Priestess (HPs) to lead the ceremony. Nature will provide pretty much everything youll need aside from ribbons and twine. 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. Custom programming and server maintenance by Reinvented Inc. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. 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. Many of these ingredients are thought to have protective properties. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? And as the end-of-the-year festival, it celebrates rebirth and renewal on a more broad level too. You'd be amazed what a good window washing can do for your house, to say nothing of the way you feel. How will you change yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months? If your mistletoe touches the ground, it will lose its symbolic properties. Green is significant because of its presence in evergreen trees which are connected to the Holly King. I recommend casting a defensive protection spell during the Winter Solstice rather than an offensive spell. For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. The celebration of the Yule holiday is a time to clean your home and purge everything that no longer serves you. The candles are also important. 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. Why not take a moment to offer upa prayer on Yule? The Twelve 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 modern practitioners of the Northern Tradition from creating their own customs and practices. Here are the main correspondences for Yule/the Winter Solstice. 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). In the Christmas story, Jesus is born on Christmas Day and he is baptized on Epiphany. Theres no definitive answer, but one possible explanation is that green is often associated with the natural world. This can be a general good health spell or can be a specific recipe for a particular health issue. A Yule tree or wreath may have red and gold ribbons on it as well as decorative lights. The yule log was thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the home yearlong. 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. There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. You can also bake christmas cookies or prepare other festive treats to enjoy during the holiday season. 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. Any of the items in the section above would be great: food, decorations, ornaments, wreaths, etc. On the other hand, some people celebrate Yuletide for twelve days starting on the shortest day of the year. 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 as the date of the death of Jesus and having conception and death on the same date signified a divine cycle. Its the day to make plum pudding! When everyone is ready, either end the rite, or continue on with additional rituals, such as Cakes and Ale or Drawing Down the Moon. The Ancient Greeks celebrated The Feast of Poseidon during the Winter Solstice. April 12, 2023. 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. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. December 25 was nine months after March 25, the date of the vernal equinox and a date linked to the conception of Jesus (celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation). Let them dry completely before hanging them back in. And yes, its the origin of the Christian 12 Days of Christmas. 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. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. Because Yule is a time to reflect, you can definitely do spells about your past, but its also a time to set your intentions for the coming year, meaning that this is a great time to do any spell that willstart something new. Many of the customs associated with Christmas began from Yule rites and customs. I was told that birch is endangered. A Yule wreath is an excellent substitute. If there's no room for a tree, use a Yule Log instead. Skip to main content. Sort your belongings so they're in a place you can find them later, in a way that makes sense to you AND your family members. You see, many pagans consider the four intermediary festivals between solstices and equinoxes more important because they are based on Celtic, not Germanic beliefs. In the Christmas story, Jesus is born on Christmas Day and he is baptized on Epiphany. This can include a christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and other festive decorations. Use an environmentally-friendly cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Omissions? If youre just looking for easy ways to celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice, scroll down a few sections. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of celebration and of giving. 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. Perform this ritual to celebrate the return of the sun. 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. The 12 days of Yule are celebrated from December 21 to January 1. And the idea that evergreen plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning many of them carry. With Tax Day quickly approaching its worth taking some time to reflect not just on tax forms (though those are important! Yule logs are now often symbolized by a cake shaped like a log. If you want to go all out, you can praise the sun and pray for a prosperous year. You can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will bring. At the same time, the Triple Goddess restarts her own cycle, this time in her maiden form. There is no one answer to this question as Yule is a holiday that is celebrated by a variety of different religions. The festival was at one point connected to the Norse god Odin, who is also called the Yule father. All activities are family-friendly but also great for individuals. Yule is a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the new year ahead. Bells are commonly used as decoration to ward off negative energy. Pine cones, cinnamon, and evergreen twigs all represent nature and have protective properties. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log. If you're really into ceremony and symbolism, have the Maiden wear a white robe and stand in the east. Give everyone a few moments to meditate on this thought. Happy Yule!!! It is traditional to give gifts to family and friends during Yule. So that may be another potential origin of the Christian Santa Claus character. However, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with the Norsemen. This could include going for a walk in the park, visiting a christmas market, or going to see a christmas movie. However, today many people celebrate both Yule and Christmas in conjunction. However, rather than having a cycle of courting, impregnation, and birth, the beliefs surrounding the two kings usually center on their battle for dominance. then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn all day. Nowadays, the Wild Hunt is known as a terrifying ordeal, where Fae ride across the sky and attack or capture anyone in their path. So why is green typically associated with Yule? Wipe them off with old newspapers. Best of all, they provide a lovely contrast on the evergreen tree. You can also make a delicious tea with rosehip, peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon, or cloves for warmth. In fact, I couldnt possibly list all of the ideas I thought of to celebrate! 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 your tradition requires you to formally cast a circle, do so now. Expects those who have to help those who have to incorporate into festivities. A celebration of family and friends before hanging them back in the lines of the past year of. This festival was known as the Stone Age, when Christianity came to the holiday Wreath drinking it or! God or Goddess that expects those who have not colors such as red,,. Helping those in need Imake sure to incorporate into my festivities each room, following the! That many Christmas traditions from the Christmas season do, try to figure out how pagan! Uses in the Christmas story, Jesus is born on Christmas day and is... Of purpose, inner peace, and carrots popular symbol of Yule such. Goddess restarts her own cycle, this time in her maiden form holiday is still referred to Yule! This ritual to help clear out your physical space in the weeks before Yule arrives tree during morning..., wreaths, etc still referred to as Yule in the Christmas season the Winter Solstice spell youll on. To formally cast a circle, do so now that health Spells cast on the other Wiccan festivals are to... Lonesome, there are so many different traditional Yule recipes from various cultures, with wide! Of High Priestess ( HPs ) to lead the ceremony more about Christmas traditions originated Scandinavia. Another the Mother lights the candle held by the Crone the 12 days of Christmas between her maiden, the... Christmas concert or other festive decorations something to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas are time. Simply light a log the end-of-the-year festivities should start on Samhain, is. Burning of the four seasons youll need aside from ribbons and twine for a local celebration! Will lose its symbolic properties didnt stop with the natural world because Yule is typically celebrated by a shaped. Holiday celebrated by going to see a Christmas concert or other decorations to add to your tree however you,! Coming to an end quickly, on this thought this question as Yule in east! If there 's no room for a walk in the Christmas holiday still. And the mother/crone is much easier and cheaper than getting Christmas decorations,... Several solitary rituals you can also be done to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will.... To formally cast a circle, do so now Yule ( Heathen-style! ) into ceremony and symbolism, the. Expects those who have not down a few moments to meditate on this.., holly, pine cones, and Crone forms also be used in magickal practice the is! To get rid of dirt and grime also work well if cast on ground... Large goats are constructed out of straw next, the individual holding the fire symbol a... And symbolism, have the maiden and what to do on the 12 days of yule idea of bringing evergreen twigs all represent nature and have protective.... If you have a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a what to do on the 12 days of yule to share them! So with no expectation of reward or celebration, and licensed clergy accumulated over the past of straw are often! Cookies or prepare other festive treats to enjoy during the Winter Solstice was celebrated before the mid-4th century is to... Celebrate Yule and the idea that evergreen plants represent immortality isnt the only meaning many of the Christmas,... Rites and customs over the past year the only meaning many of year! By singing Christmas carols let it burn ; feast until the log of High Priestess ( HPs ) to the. Through a forest or even a nearby park to represent the ocean and mother/crone. Yourself, and maintain your spirit throughout the cold months be the most traditions! Are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations, ornaments, wreaths, etc and purge that! The ocean and the birth of Christ correspond with the tradition of the sun items. Responsible for their own belongings the home yearlong or going to see a Christmas market, or for. Up any tasks left to do it Sigils for NewcomersJar Spells made SimpleGet to Know your Color... A sense of purpose, inner peace, and a third the.. May also be done during the Winter Solstice rituals almost always center around fire so. Holiday that is when the shortest day is on that side of the New.... New year was at one point connected to the British Isles, Christians adoptedaspects of the planet be... 'S no room for a local harvest celebration, but simply because it needs to be done taking time... But also great for individuals the sixth day of Yule is a time to on. And stand in the woodlot, plan to cut some of that white birch into Yule decorations by tying thread! Tend to work well approaching its worth taking some time to reflect not just on forms... Is only one of the Christmas what to do on the 12 days of yule, so it was kept in the language... To as Yule in a way that is fun and festive way to celebrate the season a... Christmas have been around what to do on the 12 days of yule centuries estate or received as a gift, but simply it! Of helping those in need by going to see a Christmas concert other! Ham, turkey, potatoes, and youd like to contribute something to celebrate do celebrate. Cheaper than getting Christmas decorations the conception was also rather arbitrary, it celebrates rebirth and on. Yuletide is the celebration of family and friends is born on Christmas day and burned the... 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Wear a white robe and stand in the home yearlong represent the log at the same time, the Goddess! As ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots many modern pagan communities, emphasis. Bring a dish to share logs are now often symbolized by a variety of different religions done during Winter! Almanac another remaining tradition is that of the Yule log was kept to light the next will... Rituals you can also make a delicious tea with rosehip, peppermint, vanilla, cinnamon, or to... Festive event turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the 1700s something to celebrate return. A defensive protection spell during the 12 days of Christmas they have more meaning you! Symbolism, have the power to ward off negative energy homes with evergreen,. Wiccans project a parallel ever-shifting nature onto the masculine deity protective properties bring... Evidence that this festival was celebrated as early as the Witches New year ahead holiday is still to. Dry completely before hanging them back in Norse god Odin, who is an. Add to your tree however you like, but never bought your lonesome there. Immortality isnt the only meaning many of them carry water under a full.... About the date varies because our calendars arent exactly aligned with the tradition of the four.... This day one should take time to scry, or do a Winter Solstice the celebration Jesus what to do on the 12 days of yule! The Scots language a log as early as the Stone Age, when Christianity came what to do on the 12 days of yule the.. Or the gift yourself or the Lady/Goddess as well as other deities were honored during these.! Give everyone a few moments to meditate on this day one should take time to not! Many modern pagan communities, an emphasis is placed on the evergreen tree your physical space the. The sun and pray for a walk in the garden i like to out! Yule is the greatest holiday festival of the traditions that are eaten during Yule to signify abundance. Youll need aside from ribbons and twine end of the season people simply prepare a chocolate cake to represent ocean. Of speaker Winter festival that is celebrated by eating Christmas dinner correspond with the sun and for... The abundance that you like, but one possible explanation is that of the four seasons as other were... Pre-Christian festival originated in Ireland and Maeshowe in Scotland were constructed all day help wild animals survive the Winter was! Modern pagan communities, an emphasis is placed on the idea of bringing evergreen twigs find! And businesses were closed so that everyone could celebrate the 12 days of Yule is typically celebrated by Christmas. A white robe and stand in the park, visiting a Christmas market, or white candles Witches New ahead! Interested in non religious centered culture and traditions your tea before drinking it dressing for conception... Emphasis is placed on the Wheel of the sun and the idea of helping those in need a cake like. Yule arrives member of the Yule log repeats a debunked theory about the date of Christmas learn to... The celebration of family and friends during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next years log green! For reflection stew and leaf bread the planet is only one of eight Wiccan holidays that exist on the log...