Yule is celebrated at the winter Solstice, and the precise date is governed by the astronomical forces of the universe, but it's typically around December 21st or 22nd. This the time of the longest night of the year, and shortest day. From this day onward, the days will start getting longer. So we celebrate the return of light and warmth of the Sun.

Along a more mythological story-line, the God is reborn at Yule after sacrificing himself at Samhain's harvest. The Goddess has mourned him through the dark months of November and December, and now rejoices at his return. She is seen in her virgin, Maiden aspect at this time of year.

This idea of rebirth, is how Yule got tied in with the Christian story of the birth of Jesus. Though the holiday has become heavily Christianized, most of the traditions are based on older, Pagan beliefs.

Some Yule Traditions

Things to do

Many mainstream Christmas traditions stem from original Pagan practices, so a lot of these will seem familiar even if you are new to the Pagan path. Yule Log - A special log was chosen on the eve of Yule, for the holiday fire. A small piece from last year's log is used to light the fire. Charred pieces from the fire would be kept to protect the house through the coming year. Today, the Yule log is sometimes represented as a log cake instead. Or a small log is decorated with candles. Kissing Under Mistletoe - The roots of this habit are unknown, but is likely tied with the fertility aspects of mistletoe and that it was viewed as a bringer of peace by the Druids. Some earlier versions of this tradition say to remove one berry with each kiss. When there are no more berries on the sprig of mistletoe, no more kisses. Tree Decorating - There is some debate on the origin of this tradition. Druids (and some other ancient cultures) saw evergreen trees as symbols of everlasting life, because they seemed to live through the winter undaunted by the cold. So using evergreen branches as decorations symbolized the undying strength of the Sun. Decorating the trees may have come from the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia (held around the Solstice). Gift Giving - The Christians attribute the giving of gifts at Christmas to the three wise men who brough gold, frankinsence and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. But this tradition was common well before the time of Jesus, during Saturnalia.

Symbols Things Seen at Yule Herbs - Mistletoe, holly, evergreens Colours - Red, green, white Oils/Incense - Cedar, pine, myrrh, cinnamon, frankincense Other Symbols - Wreaths, Yule log   Related Festivals Other Celebrations Christmas - Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus, the son of God. Popularity for this holiday has spread from Christian circles to include most of the secular world. Saturnalia - Week-long holiday from ancient Rome, to honour the God Saturn, who ruled over sowing and agriculture. Many Pagan Yule traditions started during Saturnalia. Hanukkah - Seven day Jewish celebration of lights that marks the lamp oil miracle at the Jerusalem temple. Kwanzaa - A more contemporary African holiday, that also lasts for 7 days. Each day marks a virtue or principle of daily living. © 2003 About, Inc