Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.
Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.
Most of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. While Christian mythology is interwoven with contemporary observances of this holiday time, its Pagan nature is still strong and apparent. Pagans today can readily re-Paganize Christmastime and the secular New Year by giving a Pagan spiritual focus to existing holiday customs and by creating new traditions that draw on ancient ways. Here are some ways to do this:
Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.
Most of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. While Christian mythology is interwoven with contemporary observances of this holiday time, its Pagan nature is still strong and apparent. Pagans today can readily re-Paganize Christmastime and the secular New Year by giving a Pagan spiritual focus to existing holiday customs and by creating new traditions that draw on ancient ways. Here are some ways to do this:
Sacred Plants of Winter Solstice
by Selena Fox
Evergreens
symbolizing: Continuity of Life, Protection, Prosperity types: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, other evergreens forms: boughs, wreaths, garlands, trees divinities: Green Goddesses & Gods; Hertha; Cybele, Attis, Dionysius (Pine); Woodland Spirits traditions: Roman, Celtic, Teutonic, Christian
Holly
symbolizing: Old Solar Year; Waning Sun; Protection; Good Luck forms: boughs over portals, wreaths divinities: Holly King; Old Nick; Saturn; Bacchus; Wood Spirits; Holly Boys traditions: Roman, Celtic, English, Christian
Oak
symbolizing: New Solar Year; Waxing Sun; Endurance, Strength, Triumph, Protection, Good Luck forms: Yule log, acorns, wood for sacred fires divinities: Oak King; Oak Spirit; Sky Gods including Thor, Jupiter, Zeus traditions: Teutonic, Celtic, Christian
Mistletoe
symbolizing: Peace, Prosperity, Healing, Wellness, Fertility, Rest, Protection forms: boughs, amulet sprigs above doorways, kissing balls divinities: Oak Spirit; Frigga and Balder traditions: Celtic, Teutonic
Ivy
symbolizing: Fidelity, Protection, Healing, Marriage, Victory, Honor, Good Luck forms: crowns, wreaths, garlands divinities: Dionysius; Bacchus; Great Goddess; Ivy Girls traditions: Greek, Roman, English, Christian
Frankincense
symbolizing: Sun, Purification, Consecration, Protection, Spiritual Illumination forms: incense, oils divinities: Sun Gods, Ra at Dawn, Bel traditions: Babalyonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Jewish, Greek, Roman, Christian
Myrrh
symbolizing: Healing, Death and Afterlife, Purification, Inner Peace forms: incense, oils divinities: Isis, Ra at Midday traditions: Egyptian, Jewish, Christian
Wheat
symbolizing: Sustenance, Abundance, Fertility, Good Luck forms: grain, straw figures and symbols, cookies, cakes, breads divinities: Earth Goddesses; Saturn & Ops; Goat Spirit; Fairy Folk traditions: Roman, Celtic, Scots, Teutonic, Sweedish, Christian
Celtic Tree Calendar's Sacred Trees of Winter Solstice
Yew: Last Day of Solar Year; Death. Silver Fir: Winter Solstice Day; Birth. Birch: Month following Winter Solstice; Beginnings.
by Selena Fox
Evergreens
Holly
Oak
Mistletoe
Ivy
Frankincense
Myrrh
Wheat
Celtic Tree Calendar's Sacred Trees of Winter Solstice
Pagan Yuletide Greenery
Kinds
from Evergreen "Yule" Trees - Pines, Fir, Spruce, others from other Trees - Holly, Oak, Birch, Silver Fir, Yew, Juniper, Cedar, Fruit trees, others from Herbs - Mistletoe, Ivy, Bayberry, Bay, Rosemary, Sage, others from other Plants - Poinsettia, others
Forms
living cut & kept fresh cut & dried representational
History
Used for Winter Solstice time celebrations since antiquity -- Roman, Teutonic, English, Egyptian, others Use continued as part of Christmas traditions, but banned some eras & places due to their Pagan associations Part of spiritual & secular December holiday celebrations in contemporary America & elsewhere
Sacred Uses: Wreath - symbolizing the wheel of the year; placed on doorways, walls, altars, other places
Rituals of selection, creation, placement, removal, burning at Imbolc, Summer Solstice, or other times
Yule Tree - symbolizing eternal life force & World Tree; decorated with lights, sun symbols, other symbols
Rituals of growing, selection, honoring tree spirit, placement, decoration, removal, offering or burning
Sprigs, Boughs, & Garlands - symbolizing the continuity of life; used to adorn homes, altars, other places
Rituals of cutting, arranging, removal, burning or mulching
Mistletoe Amulet - symbolizing peace, friendship, affection; hung above door ways to protect home
Rituals of harvest, placement, home blessing, kissing under it for peace making, fun, good luck Mistletoe is often an ingredient in multi-herbal kissing ball used in similar ways
Yule Log Adornment - with Holly to symbolize old year passing & with other greens for continuity of life
Rituals of selection & placement on the Log, burning with the Log to welcome new solar year, good luck
Greenery Circle Making - symbolizing the Circle of Life & Yule season; outline ritual circle with greens
Rituals of harvest, placement, later removal & use in sacred fires
Evergreen Sprig Wand - symbolizing the Yuletide season, renewal, well-being
Rituals of harvest, uses for circle casting, purification, healing, energy directing, home blessing
Sacred Fires - dried greenery symbolizing the season & specified intention such as release or attraction
Rituals of fire starting, fire feeding, magic making
Crowns - of Holly leaves symbolizing Holly King, Holly Boy, & Goddess; of Oak Leaves for the Oak King, of Ivy for Goddess, God, Ivy Girl; of a mixture of greens symbolizing Yuletide
Rituals of creating, crowning, invoking, offering, aspecting, thanksgiving, celebration
Gifts - of living plants, herb teas, greens scented candles, motifs decorating cards, foods, music, art
Rituals of creating, selection, gifting, thanksgiving, friendship renewal & love
Greenery Meditation - using actual or visualized greenery symbolizing renewal of the Yuletide season
Rituals of healing, guidance, seasonal celebration
Kinds
Forms
History
Sacred Uses:
Rituals of selection, creation, placement, removal, burning at Imbolc, Summer Solstice, or other times
Rituals of growing, selection, honoring tree spirit, placement, decoration, removal, offering or burning
Rituals of cutting, arranging, removal, burning or mulching
Rituals of harvest, placement, home blessing, kissing under it for peace making, fun, good luck Mistletoe is often an ingredient in multi-herbal kissing ball used in similar ways
Rituals of selection & placement on the Log, burning with the Log to welcome new solar year, good luck
Rituals of harvest, placement, later removal & use in sacred fires
Rituals of harvest, uses for circle casting, purification, healing, energy directing, home blessing
Rituals of fire starting, fire feeding, magic making
Rituals of creating, crowning, invoking, offering, aspecting, thanksgiving, celebration
Rituals of creating, selection, gifting, thanksgiving, friendship renewal & love
Greenery Meditation - using actual or visualized greenery symbolizing renewal of the Yuletide season
Rituals of healing, guidance, seasonal celebration
Winter Solstice Celebrations for Families and Households
by Selena Fox
Focus of Celebration: consider first your purpose(s) for the celebration, such as:Strengthen family bonding with each other Expand upon existing patterns of family celebrations Attune family to Nature's cycles Attune family to its membership in the community of all life on planet Earth Connect with ancestors Celebrate ethnic/cultural heritage(s) Educate about ancient and contemporary folkways Extend the celebration of Christmas, be an alternative, or expand upon it Deepen understanding about spiritual renewal and love Have fun
Timing of Celebration: pick a time that fits form of celebration and family patterns, such as:
On Solstice:
at moment of Solstice (check astrological/astronomical calendar) at twilight in evening before going to sleep at sunrise at noon or midday
Near Solstice:
night before Solstice weekend before Solstice
Length of Celebration: structure with age and attention range of family members in mind
Very Short: under five minutes Short: five to twenty minutes Medium: twenty minutes to ninety minutes Long: ninety minutes to three hours Very Long: more than three hours, such as a twenty-four hour period
Settings of Celebration: pick a suitable location; some options include:
Indoors in Family Home:
at kitchen or dining table by fireplace by holiday tree in living room or family room
Outdoors:
back or front yard of family home deck nearby park Nature preserve/wilderness area
Components of Celebration: select one or more that fits focus, timing, length, and setting
Yule Wreath
purchase a wreath or make a wreath from evergreens collected by family members. have family members gather around the wreath and consider it as a symbol of cycles of Nature; mention Yule and Jul, names for Winter Solstice time (and Christmas) mean wheel. have family members each share something they appreciate about Winter put the wreath in a visible location, such as on the front door, on an inside wall, or in the center of the dining table. On or after New Year's Day, wreath can be returned to Nature, or kept until Summer Solstice and then burned in a bonfire.
Solstice Feast Prepare favorite family foods and beverages. Before beginning the dining experience, do a family prayer of thanksgiving. End the feast with a cake or pie with a sun image on it. Birthday candles can be put on this solar dessert. Each family member can light a candle and make a wish for the holiday season or the upcoming calendar year. Once all candles are lit, the family as a whole can blow them out to send wishes on their way. Then call out "Happy Solstice" or "Good Yule" in unison.
Candlelight Circle
Can be done as part of a feast or separately. Family gathers in a circle around a card table or dining table. There is an unlit new red taper candle in a candleholder for each family member, plus a larger new red taper or pillar candle in a candleholder to represent the family as a whole and the Solstice Sun. Candles are arranged evenly around the central larger candle. Parent(s) begin the circle by sharing some background about Winter Solstice, such as how it has been celebrated across time and cultures, and how its celebration is reflected in contemporary secular and religious Christmas customs. Then parent(s) describe the focus for this candlelight circle, such as to attune the family members to each other, to the ways of ancestors, and/or to Nature. Lights are extinguished. Family stands or sits in darkness for a few moments and contemplates the reduction of daylight at this time of year, the importance of the Sun to life on the planet, and the symbology of light as indicators of renewal. Then, parent(s) light the central candle with a blessing of renewal for the family and the planet and guide a short meditation on light and renewal. Next, parent(s) invite each member to light her/his personal candle and give a thanksgiving for something in past or present or a blessing for the year to come. When all the candles are lit, the family joins hands and chants or sings. The song, "We wish you a Merry Christmas" can be adapted to "We wish you a Merry Solstice" and sung to end the circle. Candles can be left burning if in a safe, attended location, throughout the rest of the Solstice celebration, if there are other component parts. Candles can be extinguished by everyone doing it simultaneously after one of the family members states that the light of renewal remains in our hearts.
Yule Log
An oak log, plus a fireplace or bonfire area is needed for this form of celebration. The oak log should be very dry so that it will blaze well. It can be decorated with burnable red ribbons of natural fiber and dried holly leaves. In the fireplace or bonfire area, dried kindling should be set to facilitate the burning of the log. Begin by having parent(s) or some other family member describe the tradition of the Yule log. The tale of the Oak King and Holly King from Celtic mythology can be shared as a story, or can be summarized with a statement that the Oak represents the waxing solar year, Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the Holly represents the waning solar year, Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice. Lights are extinguished as much as possible. The family is quiet together in the darkness. Family members quietly contemplate the change in the solar year. Each in her/his own way contemplates the past calendar year, the challenges as well as the good times. Then the Yule Log fire is lit. As it begins to burn, each family member throws in one or more dried holly sprigs and says farewell to the old calendar year. Farewells can take the form of thanksgiving and appreciation and/or a banishment of old habits or personal pains. Once the Yule Log itself starts blazing, then the facilitator invites family members to contemplate the year ahead and the power of possibilities. Each member then throws in an oak twig or acorn into the fire to represent the year ahead, and calls out a resolution and/or a hope. When this process is done, the family sings a song together. The traditional carol, "Deck the Halls," is good because it mentions the Solstice, the change in the solar year, and the Yule log. Let the Yule Log burn down to a few chunks of charred wood and ashes. Following an ancient tradition, save remnants of the fire and use them to start the Yule Log fire the following year.
Bell Ringing
This can take a simple form of the family ringing bells together at the moment of Solstice, or it can be a circle ceremony in and of itself. It also can be incorporated into other components of the celebration such as the Candlelight Circle or Yule Log Ceremony -- in these cases, bells can be rung after each blessing/sharing is stated. Each family member chooses a bell to ring. Bells can be of varying sizes and types, but should blend well with each other when rung together. Brass bells and/or jingle bells are commonly available and have long time associations with the season. For a bell ringing Solstice Circle, the family gathers together in a circle. Each has a bell in hand to ring. Parent(s) or some other family member serves as facilitator(s). She/he begins by saying a few words about the Solstice being the start of the new solar year and how the calendar year used today in many places around the world was structured on the solar year. The facilitator then describes how bells have been rung in connection with many types of celebrations. Bells have been rung at this time of year to ring out the old year and to ring in the new year. Then the facilitator invites the family to celebrate the Solstice with bells. If the family is used to honoring the directions as part of spiritual practice (Wiccan, Native American, Buddhist, Hermetic, etc.), the family begins by facing each of the compass points (North, East, South, West) and ringing the bells in unison, honoring connections with each sacred direction. Then the family rings bells in the three directions connected with the center: upward, the place of the cosmos; downward, the place of the planet; and center; Divine unity. In place of or in addition to individual direction honoring, the family rings all their bells together to celebrate their connection with each other as a family; then they ring them in unison again to celebrate their connection with the cycles of Nature; and then they ring them a third time in unison to celebrate their connection with life on planet Earth and all of Nature. Then from the oldest to the youngest, each family member speaks a vision or wish for the planet for the coming year. After each one speaks, all ring bells together to affirm that vision/wish. After all have shared, the ceremony ends as the family calls out "Happy Solstice" or "Good Yule" three times and rings bells.
Yule Tree
Decorate an evergreen tree as a Yule tree. The tree can be a living tree growing in the yard of the home or in a container indoors to be planted outside in Spring. Or, the tree can be a harvested one purchased or cut yourself from a tree farm. The Yule Tree can be decorated prior to or on Solstice for the entire holiday season. If decorated prior to Solstice, on Solstice day, family members can each add an ornament. Members may want to speak a blessing on the Solstice celebration as they add their ornaments. Ornaments can be of any type, but those that represent the Sun, such as sun figures or shinny red or golden balls, are very appropriate because of their symbolism. A star, sunburst, or light at the top of the tree is another traditional Solstice symbol. Electric lights on the tree can also play into the Solstice celebration. They can be first turned on during the Solstice celebration. Or, if the family custom is to have a lit holiday tree for much of December, the lights can be turned off during a celebration as the family focuses on the year passing and the longest nights of the year and then turned on to represent renewal and the new Solar year. After the holiday season is over, the Yule tree can be burned in a bonfire, chopped up and used as mulch, or placed in the wilds as additional habitat for wild creatures. A branch can be saved and stored away until next year and then burned with the Yule Log to represent the continuity of Nature's cycles.
Winter Nature Communion
Grains and seeds, and the feeding of creatures have been associated with Yuletide holidays for hundred of years in Europe. To continue this tradition, gather some sunflower seeds in a large basket or bowl. Go outside next to the home or to a place frequented by wild birds and other wild creatures. The family gathers around a bird feeder, a tree stump, a rock ledge, or other spot where the seeds are to be placed. Someone in the family serves as facilitator and guides the family in a Nature attunement meditation. First, the family silently focuses on the experience of being outdoors in the Winter at this Solstice time. Next, the family silently focuses on being part of the fabric of life of Nature. Then the family silently focuses on expressing appreciation for the beauty of Nature and the relationships with other lifeforms. Each family member then takes a handful of seeds and focuses on the seeds as symbols of life and as messengers of goodwill toward other parts of Nature. Now, each family member in turn places the seeds in the feeder or on the stump, ledge, or other spot, and speaks an appreciation of Nature. After all the offerings have been made, the family joins hands and says together several times, "We are part of the Family of Nature!" The ceremony ends as the family in unison calls out "Happy Solstice!" or "Good Yule!"
Solstice Stories
The family can share Solstice related stories with each other. Parents, grandparents, and/or other older relatives can share how they celebrated Yuletide (Solstice, Christmas, New Year's) when they were young. Parents and other relatives also can speak about their ethnic roots and share whatever they know of Yuletide folk customs of their ancestors. If little or nothing is known within the living extended family itself about ancestral folk ways, prior to Solstice, one or more family members can do some research into customs connected with ancestral nationalities, ethnicities, spiritualities, and other cultural forms. Some places to check for information include bookstores and libraries, gifts shops with ethnic themes, cultural societies, folklore centers, museums, and multicultural centers at universities. In addition to stories about folk customs connected with Yuletide, myths and legends connected with Winter, the Sun, and/or Renewal can be told. To facilitate passing this family heritage on to future generations, the family may wish to tape record or videotape the story sharing.
Gift Giving
Across many cultures for at least several thousand years, gifts have been exchanged among family and friends at Solstice time. Even if the family already has a tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas or Epiphany, some gifts can be exchanged on Solstice as well. Having gift giving occur over a period of time extends the holiday celebration and is a time honored tradition, as commemorated in the song "Twelve Days of Christmas." The Solstice gift exchange can take a variety of forms. When all family holiday gifts are displayed under the Yule tree for several days, each family member can select one gift with their own name on it to open on Solstice night or morning. In cases in which family members give each other multiple gifts, each member can select a gift to give each other member. Another method of gift distribution is to have family members place their names in a hat or basket, and when this is done, to each draw a name, which indicates the person to whom they will give a Solstice gift. Still another alternative is to have a gifting experience unique to Solstice. A group of similar, yet distinctive small gifts, individually wrapped can be placed in a large basket or cauldron. There should be one for each family member. At least one extra gift could be included and this could be kept for the family as a whole or later given to a family friend. Some examples of gift groups include an assortment of pieces of tumbled agate or quartz crystals, a collection of animal figurines or exotic sea shells, an array of candles or bells, or a variety of pieces of candy or other food treats. Gift picking can be according to age: oldest to youngest, youngest to oldest; according to birth date in the year; by first name in alphabetical order; by lot; or by some other method. The gift exchange, when involving Nature gifts, can have an educational component. For example, if bird images are the gift form, the family can talk about each type of bird after each figure is unwrapped. A good way to bring closure to the gift exchange on Solstice night is for the family to join hands together in a circle and spend a few moments focusing together on the sharing of love, a on-going gift that transcends time and physical presents. Focusing on appreciating each other strengthens the family as well as imbues the gift giving and other Solstice celebration experiences with a spiritual context
by Selena Fox
Focus of Celebration: consider first your purpose(s) for the celebration, such as:
Timing of Celebration: pick a time that fits form of celebration and family patterns, such as:
On Solstice:
Near Solstice:
Length of Celebration: structure with age and attention range of family members in mind
Settings of Celebration: pick a suitable location; some options include:
Indoors in Family Home:
Outdoors:
Components of Celebration: select one or more that fits focus, timing, length, and setting
Yule Wreath
Solstice Feast
Candlelight Circle
Yule Log
Bell Ringing
Yule Tree
Winter Nature Communion
Solstice Stories
Gift Giving
Saturnalia
"Apparently Saturnalia was Celebrated more by the Romans especially when the Planet Saturn was high in the night sky around this time" C.W
Winter Solstice in Pagan Rome
by Selena Fox
Timing of Saturnalia
by Selena Fox
Timing of Saturnalia
Associated holiday festivals
Deities honored around Winter Solsticetime
Celebrations included
Legacies of Saturnalia in contemporary holiday celebrations
Herbcraft: Wintertime Wassail
by Selena Fox
Wassail is a centuries old English ceremonial cider used as an apple tree spirit offering during the Yuletide season to bless orchards and increase their yields. The word Wassail is from the Saxon for "Good Health" and a traditional toast is to hold high a cup of Wassail while exclaiming "Waes Heal!" Making and serving Wassail has been one of my favorite Winter holiday traditions. Here is my recipe:
Pour a gallon of fresh or refrigerated cider into a cauldron or electric crockpot. Add three cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook over high heat for at least fifteen minutes until the cider becomes hot. Uncover and add one teaspoon each of powdered cinnamon, cloves, and all spice. With a wooden spoon, stir the spices into the cider until they dissolve. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook at least another fifteen minutes. Wash, quarter, and remove the stem and seeds of an apple. Add the apple quarters to the cider and stir. Serve, or reduce the heat to warm and cover until ready to serve.
Wassail is a great beverage for parties. For large gatherings, I use a three gallon electric crockpot and start off making two gallons of cider with triple the amount of powdered spices. Each time a quarter of the Wassail in the pot has been consumed, I stir in more cider and increase the heat for a few minutes. In order that party-goers of all ages can partake, I do not add alcohol to the Wassail I make. However, I have a selection of liquor available for adults to add who want this option. At party's end, any Wassail left over can be cooled and refrigerated. It will keep for several days and can be consumed cold or hot.
by Selena Fox
Wassail is a centuries old English ceremonial cider used as an apple tree spirit offering during the Yuletide season to bless orchards and increase their yields. The word Wassail is from the Saxon for "Good Health" and a traditional toast is to hold high a cup of Wassail while exclaiming "Waes Heal!" Making and serving Wassail has been one of my favorite Winter holiday traditions. Here is my recipe:
 |
Wassail is a great beverage for parties. For large gatherings, I use a three gallon electric crockpot and start off making two gallons of cider with triple the amount of powdered spices. Each time a quarter of the Wassail in the pot has been consumed, I stir in more cider and increase the heat for a few minutes. In order that party-goers of all ages can partake, I do not add alcohol to the Wassail I make. However, I have a selection of liquor available for adults to add who want this option. At party's end, any Wassail left over can be cooled and refrigerated. It will keep for several days and can be consumed cold or hot.
December Solstice Traditions and Customs
The December solstice has influenced the lives of many people over the centuries, particularly through art, literature, mythology and religion. The December solstice is also known as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere.
In the northern hemisphere, the December solstice occurs during the coldest season of the year. Although winter was regarded as the season of dormancy, darkness and cold, the coming of lighter days after the winter solstice brought on a more festive mood. To many people, this return of the light was a reason to celebrate that nature's cycle was continuing.
Solstice's influence on Christmas
In modern times Christian all over the world celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas, which falls on December 25. However, it is believed that this date was chosen to offset pagan celebrations of Saturnalia and Natalis Invicti. Some believe that celebrating the birth of the "true light of the world" was set in synchronization with the December solstice because from that point onwards, the days began to have more daylight in the northern hemisphere.
Christmas is also referred to as Yule, which may have derived from the Norse word jól, referring to the pre-Christian winter solstice festival. Yule is also known as Alban Arthan and was one of the "Lesser Sabbats" of the Wiccan year in a time when ancient believers celebrated the rebirth of the Sun God and days with more light. This took place annually around the time of the December solstice and lasted for 12 days. The Lesser Sabbats fall on the solstices and equinoxes.
Yule is also known as Alban Arthan and was one of the "Lesser Sabbats" of the Wiccan year. ©iStockphoto.com/Nicolette Neish
The Feast of Juul was a pre-Christian festival observed in Scandinavia at the time of the December solstice. Fires were lit to symbolize the heat, light and life-giving properties of the returning sun. A Yule or Juul log was brought in and burned on the hearth in honor of the Scandinavian god Thor.
A piece of the log was kept as both a token of good luck and as kindling for the following year's log. In England, Germany, France and other European countries, the Yule log was burned until nothing but ash remained. The ashes were then collected and either strewn on the fields as fertilizer every night until Twelfth Night or kept as a charm and or as medicine.
French peasants believed that if the ashes were kept under the bed, they would protect the house against thunder and lightning. The present-day custom of lighting a Yule log at Christmas is believed to have originated in the bonfires associated with the feast of Juul.
Saturnalia in Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome the winter (December) solstice festival Saturnalia began on December 17 and lasted for seven days. It was held to honor Saturn, the father of the gods and was characterized by the suspension of discipline and reversal of the usual order. Grudges and quarrels were forgotten while businesses, courts and schools were closed. Wars were interrupted or postponed and slaves were served by their masters. Masquerades often occurred during this time.
It was traditional to offer gifts of imitation fruit (a symbol of fertility), dolls (symbolic of the custom of human sacrifice), and candles (reminiscent of the bonfires traditionally associated with pagan solstice celebrations). A mock king was chosen, usually from a group of slaves or criminals, and although he was permitted to behave in an unrestrained manner for seven days of the festival, he was usually killed at the end. The Saturnalia eventually degenerated into a week-long spree of debauchery and crime – giving rise to the modern use of the tern saturnalia, meaning a period of unrestrained license and revelry.
Other Cultures and Modern Day Celebrations
In Poland the ancient December solstice observance prior to Christianity involved people showing forgiveness and sharing food. It was a tradition that can still be seen in what is known as Gody. In the northwestern corner of Pakistan, a festival called Chaomos, takes place among the Kalasha or Kalash Kafir people. It lasts for at least seven days, including the day of the December solstice. It involves ritual baths as part of a purification process, as well as singing and chanting, a torchlight procession, dancing, bonfires and festive eating.
Many Christians celebrate St Thomas' Day in honor of St Thomas the Apostle on December 21. In Guatemala on this day, Mayan Indians honor the sun god they worshipped long before they became Christians with a dangerous ritual known as the polo voladore, or "flying pole dance". Three men climb on top of a 50-foot pole. As one of them beats a drum and plays a flute, the other two men wind a rope attached to the pole around one foot and jump. If they land on their feet, it is believed that the sun god will be pleased and that the days will start getting longer. Some churches celebrate St Thomas' Day on other days in the year.
The ancient Incas celebrated a special festival to honor the sun god at the time of the December solstice. In the 16th century ceremonies were banned by the Roman Catholics in their bid to convert the Inca people to Christianity. A local group of Quecia Indians in Cusco, Peru, revived the festival in the 1950s. It is now a major festival that begins in Cusco and proceeds to an ancient amphitheater a few miles away.
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Good Clear Skies
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Astrocomet
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Colin James Watling
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Real Astronomer and head of the Comet section for LYRA (Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Regional Astronomers) also head of K.A.G (Kessingland Astronomy Group) and Navigator (Astrogator) of the Stars (Fieldwork)
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Web: http://lyra.freewebsites.com/
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