Celebrating Yule: What, when, why & how.
If you are new to 'The Wheel of The Year', then it may seem a little overwhelming, as there are eight festivals during the year to get one's head around. Do not fret, as I am here to help you with the navigating of it all. I will help you by breaking it down. In this blog post I will focus on the Winter Solstice, Yule.
What is Yule?
Before there was Christmas (that most of us know and are familiar with), there was Yule.
"The origin of Yule isn't clear, as it has been adapted and modified by several languages. one of the most accepted beliefs is that it derives from the Old Norse word hjรณl, which means "wheel", referring to the Wheel of the Year that starts to spin once again. If we understand the year as a series of Sabbats on a wheel, celebrating Yule means that a cycle has been completed, thus a new cycle starts. Another version says Yule comes from the Old English word yoole, which once again derives from Old Norse, but this time from jรณl, a term used in the descriptions and names of the Norse gods as well as a synonym for "feast". - The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas.
"Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. It's also a time to celebrate with family and friends, and share the spirit of giving during the holidays." - https://www.learnreligions.com/about-yule-rituals-2562970
It is the celebration of the shortest day and longest night of the year. We are reminded of what we have and we give thanks for this. It is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Much like the new moon, Yule is the perfect time to plan ahead.
When is it celebrated?
Traditionally, Yule is celebrated in the northern hemisphere on the 20th of June to the 23rd of June. In the southern hemisphere, it is celebrated on the 20th of December to the 24th of December.
Before there was Christmas (that most of us know and are familiar with), there was Yule.
Where is it celebrated?
All over the world, Witches, Wiccans, Druids, and other Pagans across America, Canada, Europe, Australia and elsewhere, recognise and celebrate Yule.
"Many different traditions throughout Europe celebrated this moment of the year, from the Germanic and Celtic pagans to the festival Saturnalia in Rome. Many of the activities and decorations related to this Sabbat (and even the date) were appropriated by the Christian church in an attempt to erase Yule when Christianity became a mandatory religion in the Roman Empire. You will see that many Christmas traditions are similar to those of Yule..." - The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas.
Why is it celebrated?
Traditionally, Yule is celebrated because it is observed as the shortest day and the longest night of the year- winter solstice.
"Yule represents the paradox of the death and the rebirth of the sun". - The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas.
"Yule is a quiet reminder of the renewal of life. Cold, dark days call us to be introspective, seek company of our loved ones, light a fire, and decorate the hearth. Yule reminds us cherish what we have and share it with those dearest to us". The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas.
How can I celebrate it?
Suggested ways to celebrate Samhain:
Host a feast with loved ones. Create a feast with harvested foods that were preserved and/or food that stays edible during the cooler months. See suggested food further in this blog post.
Decorate a Yule/pine tree. Do not cut it down and take it inside, instead decorate an outside one. The Yule tree is linked to the tree of life. Decorate with dried fruit garlands, mistletoe, holly, hand painted pine cones (that had fallen from the tree), candles or a safer alternative is fairy lights (to represent the sun and the light slowing returning).
Burn a Yule log. "This tradition originated in Scandinavia, where the Yule log represents the Green Man, the god that that symbolises the spirit of nature, which was cut down during the last harvest and will grow again in Spring. You can use any type of wood, but traditionally the Yule log is made from oak, birch, or fruit trees. The Yule log is decorated with candles and evergreens and then blessed. Oftentimes it is used as a centrepiece during the Yule dinner. Afterward, a ceremony is held where the five elements (air, fire, water, earth and spirit) and Mother Nature are thanked. Then the Yule log is burned in the fireplace. Don't let it burn completely; save a part of the log to kindle next Yule's fire. Spread the ashes from the fire back into the earth". - The Complete Grimoire by Lidia Pradas.
Hang wreaths. Traditionally, wreaths were hung on the front door to protect the home from illness and evil spirits. make your own wreath with wire, evergreens, dried fruits, pine cones and anything else that represents Yule. Gift them to your family and friends as a symbol of friendship and love.
Exchange gifts. Winter is tough on many in the cooler months, especially when people used to rely on their own crops and farm animals to feed and protect each other. Yule is highlighted as a great time to give to the less fortunate (though any time is a great time) and to give gifts to our loved ones as a token of our love and appreciation for each other.
Hang mistletoe. Traditionally, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and fertility. It is a sacred plant to the Druids.
Decorate your home. Decorate your home with items from the list further down in the blog post, or anything that represents Yule to you.
Create a Yule altar. If you are pushed for time and space, create an altar instead of decorating your home. Find a place to place represenations of Yule.
Plan your herb/veggie garden. Map out your plan for your herbal and/or veggie garden for the coming Spring.
Plan/set goals for the months ahead. Plan and set goals for the warmer months ahead.
Cast new beginning & prosperity spells. This is so you can set your intentions for the months ahead.
Burn pine in your cauldron for protection. Pine is a symbol of protection.
Magickal tools and items that represent Samhain
Food and Drink
Dried Fruit
Rice
Grains
Fermented food
Naturally preserved food
Meat
Wine, Beer, Cider
Baked sweets
Nuts
Crystals
Bloodstone
Clear Quartz
Citrine
Garnet
Emerald
Ruby
Herbs
Mistletoe
Fir
Oak Leaves
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Cloves
Pine Needles
Camomile
Incense
Cinnamon
Cedar Wood
Frankincense
Pine
Bayberry
Items
Candles (Black, White, Gold, Red, Green)
Crystals
Pine & Pine Cones
Evergreen Plants (Mistletoe, Holly, Ivy, Pine)
Ribbon
Fairy Lights
Picture of the Sun
Dried Fruit Garlands
Click on video to see how I celebrated Yule 2022.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I hope it was helpful to you. Please feel free to share and like it if you liked it.
RESOURCES:
'Wicca' by Harmony Nice
'The Complete Grimoire' by Lidia Pradas
Do you celebrate Yule? How will you be celebrating it? Let me know in the comments below.
Blessed be
Cassie xx
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