Yule is the shortest day of the year, and marks the returning of the light, as the Sun gradually begins to shine for longer periods during the day. Mythology surrounding this holiday says that this is the time when the Goddess gives birth to her son, the God, after a long winter of labor. The God is oftentimes represented by the Sun, which will be growing in strength after this holiday.
In some traditions, this is the time when the Holly King (the dark half of the year, when the nights are longer than the day, also representing the death aspect of the God) is overcome by the Oak King (representing the light half of the year, when the sun shines for longer periods, also represents the young God in his glory). Modern Pagans often use many lighted candles in the home to lure the Sun back to its full glory. This is an excellent example of sympathetic magick.
Modern day celebrations are reminiscent of ancient Pagan customs, such as the Christmas Tree, the Yule log, and the colors green and red. Some traditional decorations for your altar might include pine cones, mistletoe, and ivy. Incense is often bayberry, but variations of pine are also used frequently. Colors used for candles and other decorations are traditionally green and red, but gold is also a good choice.
Created by TracyG~1998, 1999