Midwinter's Eve, Winter solstice,marked as the longest night of the year, is one of the four minor Witches' sabbats.(One of the four quarter days of the year.) It is also known as Yule, (Norse Jul, meaning wheel), which can be traced back to an anciet Norse solstice festival. This festival originally marked the rebirth of the Sun God from the womb of the Earth Mother. It also marks the time of the death of the Holly King God, of the Waning Year, by the Oak King, God of the Waxing Year.On this longest night of the year, the Goddess becomes the Great Mother, and gives birth to her son.

 

In this time of enlightenment, and rediscovery, Pagans are beginning to reclaim their lost traditions. We are once again celebrating the magick of this wondrous season, when the Great mother gives birth to the baby Sun God, and the Wheel is set in motion again.

 

For over three centuries, the birth of Jesus, was known to the Christians as the 25th of the month.  As to which month, they were unsure. It was eventually decided in the year 279 AD, by the Catholic Fathers in Rome, that Christmas would fall on the 25th of December. For over three centuries prior to this decision, no one knew precisely when Jesus was born. This was decided so that it would co-opt with the traditions of the Celts and Saxons.

 

Long before Christians had even accepted December as the month of Jesus' birth, Pagans,(from the very start) were observing the season by bringing in the Yule log, wishing on it, and lighting it from the remains of last year's log. Riddles were posed and answered, magic and rituals were practiced, wild boars were sacrificed and consumed along with large quantities of liquor, corn dollies were carried from house to house while carolling. Fertility rites were practiced (girls standing under a sprig of mistletoe were subject to a bit more than a kiss). Divinations were cast for the coming Spring. Christians have long since adapted these customs to their own celebrations, most often, not even realizing their origins.

 

Witches usually celebrate Yule on or around the 21st of the month. A Yule log is placed in the center of the celebration. It is lit on the eve of the solstice (it should light on the first try) and must be kept burning for twelve hours, for good luck. It should be made of ash. Later, the Yule log is then replaced by the Yule tree but, instead of burning it, burning candles were placed on it.  )Again, the Christian adapted this ritual with what we now are conditioned to as the "Christmas Tree".) This tree should be cut, not purchased, then, after Yule is ended, it should be burned, as it is a sacred object for this ritual.

 

Evergreen, the holly, the ivy and the mistletoe were important plants of the season, all symbolizing fertility and everlasting life. The Celtic Druids believed Mistletoe to be a powerful aphrodisiac, to be used Magickally, (not medicinally, as it is toxic) so as to recieve gifts of fertility.

 

I have taken the time to list below some of the Traditions, Rituals, and Songs from both Modern Day traditions, as well as ancient ones. (as well as some links where you can go to get more in formation on the Sabbats) I am sure, that you will, as I have, see the many parallels between the Ancient traditions, and the Christian Christmas.