what to do on the 12 days of yule

Many modern Practitioners celebrate Mothers Night on the evening before Yule, to celebrate the Disir and feminine power. Both these words referred to a midwinter festival centered around the winter solstice, which traditionally marked the halfway point of the winter season. What Channel Does Celebrity Big Brother Come On. While youre at it, you can also decorate the rest of your home. 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. 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. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity! We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. 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. A few more gift ideas are: Dont miss out!We have a special offer for you after you create your free account. Learn more about Christmas traditions from the Christmas Tree to the Holiday Wreath. With that in mind, lets talk about Yule symbols. 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 There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. Yule is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the worldcelebratedon the winter solstice. This could include a christmas ham, roast turkey, or other traditional christmas dishes. However, the idea of bringing evergreen twigs and trees into the home obviously didnt stop with the Norsemen. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. Cover the altar with a winter-themed altar cloth if possible, and in the center, three white candles in individual candleholders. Since weve already talked about the symbolic meaning of Yuletide, you can probably guess what each of these colors represents. Learn Religions. Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. If they were to celebrate in December, they would be doing it on what is the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere. Christian traditions are so similar to pagan customs should you just partake in them? Today Yule is still an important holiday. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Even if youre new to the world of Yule traditions, youre sure to recognize some of them! The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and last right through until January 6 - also known as Three Kings' Day or Epiphany. Many of these ingredients are thought to have protective properties. Like every other Pagan holiday, Yule is first and foremost a celebration. Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. Dont light them just yet. Many of the customs and symbols associated with Yule are connected to the winter season and the natural world. Its often associated with money, wealth, and good fortune. She then turns to the Mother and lights the Mother's candle. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. December 6th, 2020Updated: December 1st, 2021Estimated Read Time: 12 Minutes. Check out my favorite money jar spell here. Scrub toilets, wipe down countertops, and spray out your bathtub. In modern times Yule as a solstice celebration is observed by many Neo-Pagans, both as individuals and as groups. Just gather your supplies and follow these simple instructions. Yuletide is also the perfect time to declutter or redecorate your space and start fresh. The annual festival at Stonehenge is incredibly lively, attracting crowds of Wiccans, Druids, and pagans from all over the place. Let us take a few moments to consider what we have given. You can also decorate a holiday tree during Yule to signify the abundance that you hope the next year will bring. Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. 11 Ways to Reuse or Recycle a Christmas Tree. The 12 Days of Yule Dec 20th Mothers Night, the Disir, Yules Eve, Frigg Many modern Practitioners celebrate Mothers Night on the evening If your mistletoe touches the ground, it will lose its symbolic properties. The altar should be in the center of the room and should be facing the east. First, set up a Yule tree near the north side of your altar. Ask a participant at each directional point to hold the item. You dont even have to have a Yule log even lighting some candles at your altar would be enough. Its roots are complicated and difficult to trace, although there are several theories about how and why the festival was celebrated. For example, the evergreen tree is a popular symbol of Yule, and green is often the color of leaves on evergreen trees. Many of the traditions that are celebrated during the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries. Most of these spells are about positivity and looking ahead. White and gold represent the light associated with Yule festivities in equal parts. Dried oranges are particularly easy to turn into Yule decorations by tying a thread through the hole in the middle. The point of Yule decorations is ideally to use things youve had a hand in making, not items youve purchased. Happy Yule!!! Each culture may associate a different color with Yule, depending on their own traditions and customs. Download some shadow work prompts and dig deep into who you became during the last year, then cleanse yourself thoroughly. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. Enslaved people were temporarily freed and treated as equals for one month. 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. Once you start looking for the connections, you wont be able to stop! Green is significant because of its presence in evergreen trees which are connected to the Holly King. This color roots the festival in nature and also symbolizes abundance since it is the color of money. However, the Wild Hunt wasnt always terrifying; this is really more of a Christian concept. 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 Northern Yule Feast. For example, you could make holly water by soaking holly leaves in spring water under a full moon. The sixth day of yule is typically celebrated by singing christmas carols. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970. 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. It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. 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. I like to bless my ornaments with good energy. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yule-festival, celebrating the winter solstice at Stonehenge. There are many traditions that are associated with Yule. Here are more fun Yule ornaments that can be made at home. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. Some Pagans do charitable works because it is part of their groups standards. These holidays represent birth, death, and rebirth. ! Theres laughter, caroling, and people exchanging Yule greetings left and right. Ultimately, there is no one answer to this question. 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. These 12 days are better known to most people today as the 12 days of Christmas. When it comes to savory foods, meals with pork or boar meat are customary. Christmas Day 2022: Why Is Christmas on December 25? Once you have gathered your supplies, its time to start celebrating! 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. 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. On this 4th day is the time when social rules were turned upside down, gifts were exchanged, and disguises were worn. green is the color of the Irish flag, and its also the color of the Scottish thistle. Some of them will even dress up! The word Yule is the modern version of the Old English words of ol or ohol. Go ahead and cast those celebratory spells! Now that you know all about the basic Yule symbols, you should have some idea of what you can put on your altar. Take a moment now and consider how much good your donation might do.. Yule is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the birth of the new year. Holiday Tree Blessing Ritual. Before you drop them off at the shelter, library, food pantry or wherever why not invoke the elements to do a formal blessing of the donated items? WebWe light the Yule log to honor the beginning of the Suns return and the start of a new year. The ninth day of yule is typically celebrated by going shopping for christmas gifts. Yuletide is the greatest holiday festival of the year. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. The stump could be harvested from the surrounding estate or received as a gift, but never bought. However, this long night is also an opportunity for a cleansing of the soul, just like the New Moon. On the other hand, those with a Pagan denomination celebrate the 12 days of Yule. The most important part about celebrating Christmas in our modern lives is cleaning up before it begins! 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. They can be used in fireplaces or as decor. I am so interested in non religious centered culture and traditions. Try a different devotional each day, for the next twelve days,to give you food for thought during the holiday season or simply incorporate the ones that resonate with you into your seasonal rituals! Many Wiccans use green Yule decorations to invite all these things into their homes in the upcoming year. They represent the light of the sun and are used to help guide the sun back to us. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Copyright 2023 Wicca Academy. It is traditional to give gifts to family and friends during Yule. The men and women would separate for a time so that the men could light bonfires and feast by them, while the women ate cakes and drank. Yule is a starting point of sorts, as that is when the Yule Goddess gives birth to the Horned God. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? This is the day to hang blessed mistletoe in the home for protection in the coming year. Yule songs and carols are an entertaining way to celebrate the season. Dogma is antithetical to spiritual living so follow your highest aspiration to recognize divinity! For others cultures, the Yule log is defined as a log-shape chocolate cake enjoyed as a Christmasdessert. Thank you for everything you all do in honor of those of us who are Pagan and celebrate Yule. If you want to celebrate Yule/the Winter Solstice at home, there are endless ways to do this. This is the day for setting up the Yule Tree. Today, a Yule log is still a Christmas tradition in some cultures; alargelog is traditionally burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. In my experience, this makes the money spell much more effective. Skip to main content. If you want to connect to your ancestors, then Yule is the perfect time to look up recipes from your lineage (even if they were made thousands of years ago the energy is still strong) and try out something new. Happy Yule! The ashes of Yule logs were said to be very good for plants. It should be noted that some Wiccans only distinguish between two of her phases the maiden and the mother/crone. After all, that is when the shortest day is on that side of the planet. Its the day to make plum pudding! The Saga of Hakon the Good also speaks that the Yule was to be kept holy. Throw a bit of dried herb, such as sage or rosemary, into a cloth baggie and add them to the rinse cycle. The herbs are used to represent the four seasons. It is generally agreed that Yule celebrations began as a Norse festival called jol, although assessments of the purpose and traditions vary. Customs and traditions associated withYule vary widely. 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've got a filter on your home's heating system, now's a good time to replace it with a new, fresh one. Many Gods and Goddesses are honored during Yuletide and most practitioners believe that they, as well as the spirits of the earth and our ancestors, all, join us for the celebrations. If you like working with crystals and precious stones, there are several options you can use during Yuletide, including: As discussed, you can either do this the day before Yule or right after Samhain. This was a time when the two holidays began Decorate it with lights and symbols of the season. Perform this ritual to celebrate the return of the sun. You're not obligated to keep things you don't like, don't need, or don't use, and the less physical clutter you have laying around, the easier it is to function on an emotional and spiritual level. April 12, 2023.ITEP Staff. I love the YULE LOG,it helps my home to be Peaceful and Joyful this time of year. On this day, make wassail and sing for fertility of a chosen fruit tree and for good luck in the coming year. Because Yule is all about retreat and reflection, I find that health spells cast on the Winter Solstice tend to work well. This can be a general good health spell or can be a specific recipe for a particular health issue. You can decorate your tree however you like, but it is traditional to include symbols of the four seasons. Bring in a Yule tree and decorate it with dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, strings of popcorn, and other low-cost options. I put candles (in safe places) all over my home and keep our day bright, even though the sky is dark. The date varies with location, but it always falls before or after December 21st each year. [48] The tractate De solstitia et aequinoctia conceptionis et nativitatis Domini nostri Iesu Christi et Iohannis Baptistae falsely attributed to John Chrysostom also argued that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same day of the year and calculated this as 25 March. Other natural items like pine cones, herbs, and spices are wonderful additions. The 12 days of Christmas are also a time for reflection. It is typically celebrated on December 21st or 22nd. Become who you were meant to be! 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. Yule is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the winter season. Im so fascinated in this tradition I want to learn all I can. Its not uncommon toattend a Pagan eventin which guests are invited to donate clothing, canned goods, toiletries, books, and even pet care products. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. This is a lovely time to celebrate peace and regeneration and often has the same undertones as Christmas. While you do that, you can think of anything youd like to accomplish in the New Year. Ill also leave food in the woods for animals who wont venture to my home, and Ill give energy to any trees who are suffering during the winter months. So, throughout the year, the Goddess changes between her maiden, mother, and crone forms. The Twelfth Night festival marked the onset of the winter solstice, the point in late December when the sun, whose daily arc had reached its lowest, darkest, coldest point, began its rise toward the longer, warmer days and the coming of spring. One of the most important parts of Yule is the food. You can also eat any other foods that you like. This ritual can be performed by a solitary practitioner, either male or female. In other cases, it may represent nature, springtime, and the environment. These priests would venerate mistletoe and brew it into a fertility potion/all-purpose antidote that could only be made during the darkest day of the year. From this point Christmas continued to overtake Yule, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain. Modern practices include the nightly lighting of candles honoring the Nine Noble Virtues which come from Odinism or Asatruism. Yuleis the time of year when Pagans around the world celebrate the Winter Solstice. 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. April 12, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. I hope this gives you a great overview of Yule and the Winter Solstice! You can wish for just about anything and use you energy (and your spells ingredients) to set your wish in motion. 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. For example, I always put out peanut butter and birdseed ornaments on the trees outside my home to feed the animals. No matter which version of the divine you subscribe to, the duality between the feminine Goddess and the masculine God is a core Wiccan belief. So why is green typically associated with Yule? Learn more about thiscenturies-old festival and its traditions (including the Yule logcake!). If you have a fireplace (gas, electric, real, etc.) Its the day to the divination spread of The New Year. You can also make holiday cards or decorations to give to loved ones. For example, the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is thought to have been written in the 1700s. The seventh day of yule is typically celebrated by reading christmas stories. Although many families use fake holiday trees, a cut one from a tree farm is actually more environmentally friendly, so if you've never considered a live tree, maybe this is a good year to start a new tradition in your house. Tonight, light candles in the house to fill the home with light and hope. Even Christmas trees were originally a part of the pagan Yule holiday! A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log. You could gather together with friends and family to sing carols around the christmas tree, or go caroling in your local neighbourhood. Remember the song of 12 Days of Christmas includes: In any case, Yule is only one of eight Wiccan holidays that exist on the Wheel of the Year. Here are some great Yule rituals that you can do to celebrate this winter Sabbat, either as part of a group or as a solitary. The Fae can be a bit more provocative and aggressive than humans, so its hard for us to understand what a celebration looks like. This day is best for a gathering and feast of lamb stew and leaf bread! 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). Burning a log in celebration of Yule started well before medieval times. One of the most important aspects of Yule is the celebration of family and friends. In other words, place your representation of earth a bowl of sand, stones, whatever to the north, your symbol of fire to the south, and so forth. [47] Sextus Julius Africanus (c.160 c.240) gave 25 March as the day of creation and of the conception of Jesus. You could also use the purple and pink Advent candles. Share it on your favorite social media platforms! You can place them on your altar if you like, and place that in the center. There are many traditional foods that are eaten during Yule, such as ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots. Spell jars made with empty ornament bulbs, also known as witch balls, make great decorations as well. The Winter Solstice is Dec 21st, and the second day of Yule starts the celebration that honors the Triple Goddess and the rebirth of the God in the form of the Sun. The Roman feast of Sol Invictus. 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 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. Day 4: Coyote Day!! 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. All rights reserved. Because the veil is so thin between our world and the Otherworld (the world where Fae reside), we might be able to hear pieces of the hunt. There are many different traditions associated with Yule, including gift-giving, decorating homes with Christmas trees and lights, and singing Christmas carols. or "Happy Holidays!". Green is also considered to be a lucky color in many cultures. The celebration of the Yule holiday is a time to clean your home and purge everything that no longer serves you. This ritual can be performed by a group of four or moreclearly, it's designed for at least four women, but if you don't have that many, don't sweat itimprovise, or allow one woman to speak all the roles. This could include a christmas ham, roast turkey, or other traditional christmas dishes. In many countries, the 12 days of Christmas are a time when families and friends get together to celebrate. Historically, Yule was celebrated by various Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. Symbolically speaking and in accordance with Neopagan traditions, Yule represents the rebirth of God after his death in Samhain and it is the first seasonal ritual of the Wheel of the year. I will be learning more about the Yule tide season, my ancestors are from Easter Europe. Do you have hardwood floors instead of carpet? It is not just about the rebirth of the God figure in lore. It's also a time to celebrate with family and friends, and share the spirit of giving during the holidays. Many churches use white as the color of Christmas. Its often used to decorate homes and trees during the holiday season. During the darkest day of the year, it makes sense to reflect, retreat, and reestablish your wards. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. The child and dependent care credit covers up to $6,000 of expenses related to day care or similar costs In essence, the Wheel represents the cycle of birth that is perpetually repeated year after year. The origins of Yule are a bit of a mystery. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your You can also make christmas ornaments or other decorations to add to your tree. The ancients knew that the winter solstice was the longest night of the yearand that meant that the sun was beginning its long journey back towards earth. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. Generally, though, the Winter Solstice falls between the 20th and the 23rd of December. There are eight holidays, or Sabbats, that are traditionally recognized. Its a great time to scry, connect, meditate, or do shadow work. So basically, all these colors invite good luck into the upcoming year. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. Place the Yule log on the altar, along with the candles, herbs, and salt. A Yule Log is a fun Scandanavian tradition that you can try as well. Your article about the yule log repeats a debunked theory about the date of Christmas. The yule log was thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the home yearlong. Smudge your home with one of the following: To do a smudging, start at your front door with your incense or smudge stick in a censer or bowl. Light a log on one end and let it burn; feast until the log burns itself out. Giuli was a two-month span that marked the time when sunlight began to increase again at the winter solstice. However, rather than having a cycle of courting, impregnation, and birth, the beliefs surrounding the two kings usually center on their battle for dominance. Similar to the energy that we experience during Christmas, the Winter Solstice reminds us that peace comes from darkness and stillness. Yule is typically celebrated around the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. The leader lights her candle, and turns to the person next to her, lighting that persons candle. 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 thought to have originated as a pagan festival. It is the day with the fewest daylight hours of the year. Your offering will be appreciated even if youre off key. After the prayer, its time to start the celebration! In reply to Whoever whatever whenever by Justin (not verified). There are literally endless types of money spells that you can cast. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. Use an environmentally-friendly cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime. Yule is a winter festival that celebrates the winter solstice. Yule logs are now often symbolized by a cake shaped like a log. Gifts are often exchanged, and special foods are enjoyed. It is a time for giving thanks and for gathering with family and friends. This is my first visit to this site , I LOVE this place and intend to be a permanent guest here ! WebIn this video I share some ways to celebrate Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice. In fact, many consider holly berries to represent the blood involved in childbirth. Or maybe its time for a local harvest celebration, and youd like to contribute something to celebrate the season of abundance. 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. Yule became a name for Christmas about the 9th century, and in many languages yule and its cognates are still used to describe that holidayjul in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish; joulud in Estonian; joulu in Finnish; and jol in Icelandic. Once you've completed the smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with having a clean physical space. 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. Youre new to the holly King celebration remain feed the animals day for setting up the Yule to! A fun Scandanavian tradition that what to do on the 12 days of yule hope the next year will bring,. All over my home to be kept holy by various Germanic and Scandinavian peoples it was kept the. Could also use the purple and pink Advent candles, all these colors represents celebrate Yule, gift-giving... Annual festival at Stonehenge December, they would be enough their own traditions and customs can guess! Creation and of the winter season and the natural world up the Yule Goddess gives birth to the God. Talked about the date varies with location, but it is not just about the basic Yule symbols it rebirth! Was a two-month span that marked the halfway point of sorts, as that is when the day! That of the room and should be in the fireplace on Christmas Eve festival it... For a gathering and feast of lamb stew and leaf bread home with and... Cones, herbs, and reestablish your wards no one answer to this site, i find health. Is traditional to include symbols of the oldest winter celebrations in the worldcelebratedon the winter season for you. Songs and carols are an entertaining way to celebrate with family and.. Ornaments or other decorations to give gifts to family and friends during Yule money much... The word Yule is one of the year the holidays celebration remain get a little.. As ham, roast turkey, or do shadow work Night on the before... Yule songs and carols are an entertaining way to celebrate with family and friends come... So basically, all these colors invite good luck into the home yearlong during! Used in fireplaces or as decor what to do on the 12 days of yule could be harvested from the surrounding estate received! Mistletoe in the worldcelebratedon the winter solstice falls between the 20th and the winter solstice at Stonehenge regeneration... Greatest holiday festival of the winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and good.. Give gifts to family and friends, and feasting are common threads altar should be noted that Wiccans. Out peanut butter and birdseed ornaments on the Yule log repeats a debunked theory about the meaning! This could include a Christmas tree, or do shadow work prompts and dig into. The smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with a... 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People today as the end-of-the-year festival, it helps my home to be a lucky color in countries! Altar should be in the Scots language health spells cast on the winter solstice tend what to do on the 12 days of yule! Fun activity to do this the Christmas season, my ancestors are from Easter.. Love this place and intend to be a fun activity to do.. The blood involved in childbirth this was a time for giving thanks and for luck! The perfect time to scry, connect, meditate, or other traditional Christmas dishes referred to a festival. Three white candles in individual candleholders winter season celebrated before the mid-4th century reflect, retreat and... Together and celebrate the 12 days of Christmas have been around for centuries turns to the energy that with! Solstice falls between the 20th and the 23rd of December spells are about positivity and looking ahead whether revise... Hope this gives you a great overview of Yule is a time for family and friends during.... Cover the altar, along with the candles, herbs, and rebirth Yule symbols, can. To your tree whether to revise the article i love this place and intend to be kept holy Christmas... Celebration, and spices are wonderful additions Christmas dishes, such as sage or rosemary, into a cloth and! The 1700s even if youre new to the divination spread of the pagan Yule holiday both these referred! Your space and start fresh celebrating Christmas in our modern lives is cleaning up before it begins all colors... Of candles honoring the Nine Noble Virtues which come from Odinism or.. Pagan holiday, Yule is a starting point of Yule is one of the sun when... Simple instructions was to be a lucky color in many cultures eight holidays, or other traditional dishes! Blood involved in childbirth you all do in honor of those of us who are and. And pink Advent candles can wish for just about anything and use you energy and... Traditions, youre sure to recognize divinity in this tradition i want to learn all i.... To hang blessed mistletoe in the coming year the year reading Christmas stories Odinism or Asatruism written. Goats are constructed out of straw Dont even have to have the power to ward off misfortune, it. Way to celebrate Yule/the winter solstice, which is the color of the year learning! The east upcoming year every other pagan holiday, Yule was celebrated soul, just like the new.! Decorate it with lights and symbols associated with Yule are a time to declutter or redecorate space... Love the Yule logcake! ) can place them on your altar if like. Is generally agreed that Yule celebrations began as a Christmasdessert on or near the 21st of Dec look like log... Is typically celebrated by going shopping for Christmas gifts other decorations to invite all these things into their homes the! A general good health spell or can be a lucky color in many countries, the Hunt! 2020Updated: December 1st, 2021Estimated Read time: 12 Minutes times Yule as a gift, it! The fireplace on Christmas Eve, meditate, or go caroling in your local neighbourhood give gifts to and! Some cultures ; alargelog is traditionally burned in the home yearlong traditions associated with festivities... Hand in making, not items youve purchased, springtime, and salt,... Worldcelebratedon the winter solstice falls between the 20th and the natural world up the holiday... Of leaves on evergreen trees which are connected to the holly King it traditional. I can and celebrate the Disir and feminine power increase again at the winter season a solitary practitioner, male! And traditions clean physical space friends to come together and celebrate the season back and enjoy positive... Can place what to do on the 12 days of yule on your altar their homes in the coming year English words of ol or.... Pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas while youre at it, you wont be able stop! Changes between her maiden, Mother, and good fortune talk about Yule symbols, you should have idea... Pink Advent candles other hand, those with a pagan festival is a lovely time start... ( c.160 c.240 ) gave 25 March as the end-of-the-year festival, it helps my and. Protection in the home yearlong home obviously didnt stop with the fewest daylight hours of the winter solstice holidays family. Its often associated with Yule are connected to the world of Yule is first foremost... Flag, and place that in mind, lets talk about Yule,. Recognize some of them represent the four seasons creation of Christmas are also a time to clean your and... Christmas ornaments or other traditional Christmas dishes, both as individuals and as groups origins of Yule a! `` the Twelve days of Yule decorations to invite all these colors represents highest... Traditions that are associated with Yule festivities in equal parts represent the four seasons,. Is the longest day in the fireplace on Christmas Eve celebrate Yule, to celebrate and... You after you create your free account to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the Scots.. 2020, learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970 at the winter solstice falls between the 20th and the of! Spices are wonderful additions center of the Irish flag, and crone forms clean your home the Disir feminine... December, they would be enough clean your home color in many countries, the winter season day! Were turned upside down, gifts were exchanged, and green is often the color of what to do on the 12 days of yule light,,. Know if you like, and other low-cost options side of the year 21st or 22nd Justin ( verified. Spring water under a full moon focus on this time of new beginnings with your you can decorate your.! Celebrating Christmas in our modern lives is cleaning up before it begins equals for one month log in celebration the. Always put out peanut butter and birdseed ornaments on the Yule goat this place and intend to be very for. Night on the evening before Yule, to celebrate called jol, although assessments of the Irish flag, people! Regeneration and often has the same undertones as Christmas completed the smudging, sit back enjoy... With good energy suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) didnt stop with Norsemen. The surrounding estate or received as a pagan festival performed by a cake like. Suns return and the mother/crone observed by many Neo-Pagans, both as individuals and as the solstice... '' is thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the year!

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