The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of winter and the longest night of the year, which also means the shortest daylight hours. Generally, Yule starts on the solstice and lasts for twelve days afterward. Yule is dedicated to the Sun God, and is a celebration of the light that follows darkness, for the daylight hours begin grow longer from the beginning of winter. In some traditions it is thought that at this time the Mother Goddess gives birth to the young God, who will die again sometime later. In the old Germanic traditions, the gods are closest to the mortal world at this time, the dead can visit the living, magical beings like fairies and elves roam, and fates of men are set. In Celtic traditions, this is the time of year when the Oak King, or king of life and light, defeats the Holly King who represents death and darkness. This is the ancient explanation for light returning to the earth and the change of seasons.
One of the most famous customs of this holiday is the tradition of the Yule log. After carvings are made on a log to protect the house during the year, wishes are placed upon it and it is then burned until dawn. Any ashes and pieces left are placed throughout the home or worn as amulets of protection, and a piece of the log is kept to light the new log in the following year.
The most famous and universal symbol of Yuletide is the Yule tree, otherwise known as the Christmas tree. It is said that in the coldest winter months people brought trees indoors (originally a small oak, which is a sacred tree) to house the spirits of the earth. Small bits of food, bells, and other decorations were hung to attract the fairies to their branches. Candles and lights may have represented the return of the sun, or god. Over time and with outside influences, the evergreen tree became the tree of choice, symbolizing eternal life. Other greenery that is used to decorate and bring magic to the home during this season includes holly, ivy, and mistletoe.
In many traditions, part of the Yuletide custom was to go caroling. Carolers were welcomed and rewarded with drinks and food. Another favorite custom at this time of year was to eat as much as possible! (Some things don't change.) Part of the eating and drinking in some traditions was to swear a binding oath on a cup during the Yule feast.
The Winter Solstice not only signifies the return of the sun to the earth, but brings with it the promise of spring and crops in the coming months. As it is the coldest and darkest time of the year in many parts of the world, it is a time to gather with friends and neighbors to celebrate life and warmth with each other. Yule is celebrated alongside the holidays of other religions, and is a time of hope and renewal. |
