For Wiccans, Yule is the second sabbat of the Wheel of the Year, marked with rituals to welcome the return of the Sun. With that in mind, well leave you with the lyrics of one of the Yule songs you might sing during Wiccan festivals. Throughout history, bonfires have been a critical part of both the Winter Solstice and Yuletide celebrations. The 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. Wipe them off with old newspapers. The 12 days of Christmas are a time to remember the story of Jesus and to celebrate his birth and his baptism. There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. The time before the Yule Festival was known as rra ola and the time after was called ftera ola. Since most homes dont have hearths anymore, the tradition has since evolved. According to that way of thinking, a tree is at the very core of the universe. Dont light them just yet. You can say whatever you like, but here is an example: "Hail, sun! Gifts are often exchanged, and special foods are enjoyed. While Yule is a great time for setting new things in motion, its also a time to let go of the past. Donations are then presented to local aid groups, food pantries, libraries, and shelters. 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. California Consumer Privacy Act | Other possible explanations include the fact that many Christmas traditions originated in Ireland and Scotland. In the harsh climate of northern Europe, most cattle were slaughtered because they could not be fed during the winter. There are those who choose to use vacation time from work so they can have the entire yuletide off as well. First, set up a Yule tree near the north side of your altar. Most Wiccans celebrate Yule on the day of the Winter Solstice though there are exceptions to that rule. Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. Thank you for the wisdom of your years,and for seeing the season through to its end.You have stepped aside that the new season may begin,and for this we give you honor. Get your bathroom clean. Today, a Yule log is still a Christmas tradition in some cultures; alargelog is traditionally burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Even if youre new to the world of Yule traditions, youre sure to recognize some of them! Scrub toilets, wipe down countertops, and spray out your bathtub. Newspapers? If you can't get something put away, get rid of it. Burning a log in celebration of Yule started well before medieval times. Mardi Gras 2023 (Fat Tuesday): Why Do We Celebrate Mardi Gras? This is the day for setting up the Yule Tree. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. [44] The Jewish calendar date of 14 Nisan was believed to be that of the beginning of creation, as well as of the Exodus and so of Passover, and Christians held that the new creation, both the death of Jesus and the beginning of his human life, occurred on the same date, which some put at 25 March in the Julian calendar. Whatever your reason may be, if youre gathering up some sort of donations, good for you! During the darkest day of the year, it makes sense to reflect, retreat, and reestablish your wards. If youre just looking for easy ways to celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice, scroll down a few sections. I like to bless my ornaments with good energy. 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. Blessings ! 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. Copyright 2023 Wicca Academy. Wood ashes do indeed have beneficial uses in the garden! Its a chance to look ahead to the year to come and begin again. Alison Eldridge is Managing Editor, Strategic Content at Encyclopaedia Britannica. However, I dont necessarily believe that its evil. During Yule, Wiccans bake cookies, fruitcakes, or caraway cakes soaked in cider. 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. 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. I am so interested in non religious centered culture and traditions. Christian traditions are so similar to pagan customs should you just partake in them? This can be a great way to honor your deities and your Pagan community, as well as help others recognize what an important occasion it is. Holiday Tree Blessing Ritual. "Yule Rituals." Mix a cup of vinegar with a gallon of warm water and spray down your windows, inside and out. Likewise, If you have an all-male group, you could revise this rite so that it focuses on the battle of the Oak King and the Holly King, rather than the Crone and the Maiden. And while we do, try to figure out how these pagan festivities have influenced the creation of Christmas. [37][38] 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. State Rundown 4/12: Tax Day 2023 A Good Reminder of the Impact of Our Collective Investments. The altar should be in the center of the room and should be facing the east. Ask everyone whos participating to stand in a circle around the donated items. I put candles (in safe places) all over my home and keep our day bright, even though the sky is dark. Happy Yule!!! This usually happens on December 21st, but varies depending on how close to Earth a given solar years perihelion (the nearest point in orbit) falls. You could also have a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish to share. If you haven't worn it, used it, played with it, listened to it or eaten it in the past year, pitch it. These logs were set on fire at one end; it could take 12 days for the log to burn out, and the people feasted until the fire from the log went out. Yule eventually became a time when people would decorate with evergreens, feast, exchange gifts with family and friends, and light candles around the home. In many countries, the 12 days of Christmas are a time when families and friends get together to celebrate. 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). It is a time for giving thanks and for gathering with family and friends. The word Yule is the modern version of the Old English words of ol or ohol. Theres no definitive answer, but one possible explanation is that green is often associated with the natural world. The 12 days of Christmas are a time of tradition. But if those options arent available to you, you could attach a few candles to the log and burn it symbolically. Once you've completed the smudging, sit back and enjoy the positive energy that comes with having a clean physical space. Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices. Place the Yule log on the altar, along with the candles, herbs, and salt. Which can be viewed as each month of the preceding year in summary. 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. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. And as the end-of-the-year festival, it celebrates rebirth and renewal on a more broad level too. Next, you need to light the candles and say a prayer to the sun. Evergreen plants give us the greens we use to symbolize Christmas and Yule. [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. 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! You can also make holiday cards or decorations to give to loved ones. Green is also considered to be a lucky color in many cultures. You'd be amazed what a good window washing can do for your house, to say nothing of the way you feel. 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. Happy Yule! On this 4th day is the time when social rules were turned upside down, gifts were exchanged, and disguises were worn. Our towns Boy Scout troop drilled holes in birch logs to create special candle holders for Scoutceremonies. then simply light a fire during the morning and let it burn all day. Yule is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the winter season. This can include a christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and other festive decorations. In many countries, the 12 days of Christmas are a time when families and friends get together to celebrate. Best of all, they provide a lovely contrast on the evergreen tree. This rite is one the whole family can do together. Adorn your home with evergreen boughs, holly, pine cones, and other winter trinkets. The Christmas tree is a symbol of the Yule log and is traditionally decorated with candles, ornaments, and garland. Another important part of the celebration is the gift giving. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. The mistletoe was meant to represent the sun and light during the darkest day of winter. For others cultures, the Yule log is defined as a log-shape chocolate cake enjoyed as a Christmasdessert. The meaning of the color green can vary depending on the culture. If you have a mixed group, make adaptations as necessary. Yule was most commonly celebrated in Germanic countries throughout history, such as in Norway and Sweden. 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. But are there really 12 days of Christmas? The period has been celebrated since before the middle ages but was updated over time to include prominent figures in Christian history. green is the color of the Irish flag, and its also the color of the Scottish thistle. As the sun returns to the earth, life begins once moreit's a time to bid the Crone farewell, and invite the Maiden back into our lives. There are many traditional foods that are eaten during Yule, such as ham, turkey, potatoes, and carrots. Other natural items like pine cones, herbs, 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. Additionally, Samhain is technically the last stop on the Wheel of the Year before Yule ushers in a New Year. One of these is the Yule log, still popular today although usually in altered form. Before you start decorating for Yule, you'll want to get things organized. In my experience, this makes the money spell much more effective. What Channel Does Celebrity Big Brother Come On. Wigington, Patti. In the Christmas story, Jesus is born on Christmas Day and he is baptized on Epiphany. 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. Earth Mother is calling her children home. However, Wiccan households still decorate and burn (symbolically or otherwise) a real log. In reply to Whoever whatever whenever by Justin (not verified). Winter Solstice rituals almost always center around fire, so this is one element Imake sure to incorporate into my festivities. These 12 days are better known to most people today as the But really, theres no manual stating when you have to start your celebration. [44][46] A passage of the Commentary on the prophet Daniel by Hippolytus of Rome, written in about 204, has also been appealed to. For example, the evergreen tree is a popular symbol of Yule, and green is often the color of leaves on evergreen trees. or "Happy Holidays!". Throw a bit of dried herb, such as sage or rosemary, into a cloth baggie and add them to the rinse cycle. At this time, the High Priestess should invite anyone who wishes to make an offering to the Goddess to come do so offerings can be placed on the altar, or if you're outdoors, in a fire. Once you start looking for the connections, you wont be able to stop! The Yule log is an important part of the celebration. Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. However, this has been disputed in recent years, at least one historian positing that jol was a new year festival intended to set the tone for the months ahead. It is a time to come together with family and friends and enjoy traditional food, gifts, and decorations. WebIn this video I share some ways to celebrate Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice. One of the most important parts of Yule is the food. The origins of Yule are a bit of a mystery. With Friday being April 14, aka 4-14, there are loads of Milwaukee Day doings, including a party at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Its a day to pull out preferred divination sets and use them for the coming year. Yuletide is also the perfect time to declutter or redecorate your space and start fresh. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. This color roots the festival in nature and also symbolizes abundance since it is the color of money. [47] Sextus Julius Africanus (c.160 c.240) gave 25 March as the day of creation and of the conception of Jesus. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yule-festival, celebrating the winter solstice at Stonehenge. The year is coming to an end quickly, on this day one should take time to finish up any tasks left to do. Gather up kin and enjoy each other before travel becomes too difficult. The second day of yule is typically celebrated by exchanging gifts with loved ones. Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are the days between Christmas and Epiphany. Alternatively, you can add them to a spell youll keep on your altar. While you do that, you can think of anything youd like to accomplish in the New Year. I recommend baking with apples or cloves. Your offering will be appreciated even if youre off key. If you want to go all out, you can praise the sun and pray for a prosperous year. In Norse paganism, trees symbolize life. If you make it a week or two in advance, you can enjoy it as a centerpiece prior to burning it in the ceremony. If you have curtains, take them down and launder them. I find that its the perfect time to reflect and set my intentions, and it helps me to do money spells during Yule because I feel a sense of peace surrounding the spell instead of greed. Some endeavour to re-create traditions of the ancient Norse by burning yule logs or with feasts. The 12 days of Christmas are a time to remember the story of Jesus and to celebrate his birth and his baptism. Here are more fun Yule ornaments that can be made at home. 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. 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 Yule is the perfect time to decorate! So that may be another potential origin of the Christian Santa Claus character. This can be a fun activity to do with your family or friends. If your windows have mini-blinds, dust them and wipe them down. All activities are family-friendly but also great for individuals. Youd be surprised how realistic they feel; I swear these videos give off real fire energy. Its simple! This is my first visit to this site , I LOVE this place and intend to be a permanent guest here ! There is limited evidence that this festival was celebrated before the mid-4th century. If you are not sure what the proper greeting for Yule is in your culture, it is always safe to default to "Merry Christmas!" After decorating the log, a family might burn it in a hearth or an outdoor fire pit while singing songs. So in addition to filling your stomach, these foods should also invite good luck and abundance. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. We pray that you will bless us during the coming year and bring us happiness and prosperity. Im so fascinated in this tradition I want to learn all I can. 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. [49] For example: Dont have room for a tree? Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, and it marks the end of the Christmas season. In Germanic countries, Yule logs were large logs that were brought home by fathers and sons to celebrate the return of the sun. The Saga of Hakon the Good also speaks that the Yule was to be kept holy. If your tradition requires you to formally cast a circle, do so now. If you want to celebrate Yule/the Winter Solstice at home, there are endless ways to do this. 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. A Yule tree or wreath may have red and gold ribbons on it as well as decorative lights. Many people also celebrate Yule by attending parties or by gathering with family and friends. The sixth day of yule is typically celebrated by singing christmas carols. 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? 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. The Crone removes her veil and hands it to the Mother, who places it on the Maiden's head. 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