Posted December 2022

WINTER SOLSTICE AND HOW TO CELEBRATE? WHAT IS YULE IN RELATION TO THE WINTER SOLSTICE?

Yule is the traditional Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, but lasts throughout the holiday season, rather than just one day. Observers bestow symbolic importance on the event, rather than just a scientific occurrence.

Traditions date back to the Neolithic period in northern Europe, particularly among the Germanic population.

Yule is honored as the rebirth and return of the sun due to the longer days, while Pagans regard Yule and the Winter Solstice as the period the Oak King takes over from the Holly King, thus welcoming the season of light.

The Winter Solstice was also historically observed due to its significance as an indication of time; it was a matter of life or death for ancestors who depended on seasons for food, and war, among others.

This year, Yule begins on December 21, 2022 an end on January 1, 2023.

FOUR RITUALS TO CELEBRATE YULE IN 2022

BURN A YULE LOG

Families harvested Yule tree trunks to burn in their fireplaces for 12 days to commemorate the 12 days of Christmas. As the Pagan tradition was adopted by Christianity, it later reportedly signified the birth of Jesus, while others regarded it as His triumph over sin.

Instead of lugging a whole tree into your home, check your local farm for small cuts or tuck into a Chocolate log cake for a treat.

DECORATE WITH WREATHS

Another festive way to spruce up your home is to decorate with wreaths as they represent the wheel of the year, and the cycle of life and birth. They are typically made with evergreens as they symbolize life since their leaves do not die in winter.

BRIGHTEN UP WITH CANDLES

Since Yule celebrates the incoming light, what better way than to decorate with candles? It was also believed to chase away the darkness and welcome the sun.

WASSAIL

Wassail is a spiced alcoholic beverage similar to mulled cider. The term can also describe the act of drinking and toasting to each other’s good health in the 1200s.

Hosts would offer a drink to guests and toast them with the phrase “wæs hæil”, meaning “be in good health”. If you’re feeling decadent, try this four-hour recipe by Food.com. Spark Recipes has a 35-minute version if you’re low on time.

Source: HITC

By Yasmine Leung