How Yule is Celebrated in the UK
Yule, or Yuletide, is a winter celebration, introduced by the Germanic peoples of North Western Europe hundreds of years ago. Originally a pagan religious festival, Yule honours theWinter Solsticeand the birth of the Sun God. Running from late December to early January, the solstice is generally celebrated on or around 21 December, depending on the astronomical date. The festival of Yule was eventually absorbed into the christian calendar, and the term term itself is still widely used today in English speaking countries to refer to Christmas; however, Yule is still celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans across the UK, and has its own specific rituals and customs.
Evergreens and natural elements
The use of evergreens to decorate the home celebrates the natural symbols of life. Evergreen shrubs, such as conifers, are used to make wreaths and garlands. A Yule tree – an undecorated Christmas tree – may also be brought into the home. Scented pinecones are used to make ornaments. Other natural elements such as seeds and feathers are also used for decorations.
The use of Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe
Holly, mistletoe and ivy play are the three sacred plants of Yule. All are used liberally to decorate the home. Each has its own important meaning within the festival. Holly represents the male element with its prickly leaves and potent red berries, whereas mistletoe pays homage to the female, entwining, and gentle yet powerful. Ivy symbolises eternity and the immortal soul, as well as connections, which is represented by the ivy’s growth patterns and its natural tendency to entwine itself around other plants; during the holidays we reach out to loved ones to make memories together.
The Yule Log
On or around Yule morning, it is tradition to seek out the perfect Yule log. According to tradition, the log contains magical properties and will impart good luck on all who help to drag it home. Cedar and oak make perfect Yule logs, but if one is not available then any large log will do. The log is placed in the hearth (or an appropriate spot if there is no hearth), and decorated with ribbons, by each family member. The log is then blessed, and doused with wine or apple cider to welcome it into the house. Finally, the log is dusted with white flour and set ablaze. The log is burnt to symbolise the burning of mistakes, poor choices and personal faults, so that everyone’s slate is wiped clean for the New Year. The log is not burnt completely – a small part is kept to bring good luck to the home for the next year.
There are many traditions associated with Yule. The ones contained in this article are some of the most common. But, most importantly, however one chooses to mark the season, it is first and foremost a time to celebrate family and friends, and to look forward to the year to come.
