Yule is coming! Yule is the Pagan holiday that is just filled with feelings of warmth, coziness and joy. For many anyways. Myself included.
The scents, energies and excitement surrounding this Sabbat are incredibly infectious.
Yule has a rich and wonderful history of traditions that were around for many many moons prior to when Christmas stepped into the spotlight.
So today we are going to go through 15 of these fun customs and symbols that you can incorporate into your own holiday celebrations this year.
And perhaps some you already do! So let’s get to it.
First though, what is Yule?
Yule is the holiday that coincides with the Winter Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year before the light once again begins to overtake the dark.
This is a celebration of the birth, or re-birth, of the sun and takes place between December 20th and 23rd. This year falling on the 21st.
This solstice is the promise of the returning light and warmer days to come. And is widely considered a moment for feasting, merriment, honouring nature, renewal and reflection.
15 Traditions & Symbols of Yule
Decorate a Yule Tree
The Yule tree is an extremely important and prominent part of the holiday. Originating many many centuries ago.
For early Pagans this tree was a representation of the Tree of Life. Traditionally it was adorned in pine cones, berries, and fruit. Sometimes also with items such as coins and corn to represent the hope for abundance and prosperity in the new year.
However, it is Queen Victoria that we have to thank for popularizing the modern day Christmas tree. In the 1840’s Queen Victoria came back from a trip to Germany where she saw them and decided she wanted to have one. She made it a trend. Thus, the tradition of the Christmas tree was born. To that I will say thank you Queen Victoria!
Make a Yule Log
The Yule Log was another incredibly important aspect of this time of year.
The tree for the Yule Log was very carefully selected. The log was meant to protect the home and would be burned in the hearth throughout the 12 days of Yule.
Some may still craft a Yule log but they have largely been replaced with Yule Log cakes or centrepieces. Especially since not many people today are lucky enough to have a working fireplace or are able to go grab a tree from the forest real quick lol.
And there are some fun tutorials out there on how to craft your own, modest sized Yule log centrepiece, like this one from The Painted Hinge.
Brew some Wassail
Waes hael, comes from old English and means “be well” or “good health”.
The Yule log tree was anointed with wassail and there would be a large bowl put out for the Yule feast. The host would toast to their guests by saying, “waes hael”.
Wassail is traditionally made from apple, orange, honey, spices, and often a form of alcohol such as ale.
Hang Mistletoe
Mistletoe was thought to represent the fertility of the goddess and the seed of the Oak King. The Druids would harvest it and hang above doorways for protection.
The kissing under the mistletoe tradition likely began due to this association with fertility and life.
Honour Nature and Welcome back the Sun
Do a ritual at sunrise to welcome the light and warmth of the sun back to the land.
Honouring nature and this cycle of re-birth is a key element in appreciating and living in tune with the seasons.
The Season of Giving
Gift giving is an appropriate activity as we are celebrating a birthday. The birth of the Sun! Gift giving at this time is a long-standing tradition.
It is wonderful to show tokens of affection to our loved ones, donate to charities and offer our time volunteering.
Helping to spread the magic of the season to others is part of what makes this holiday so damn special.
Bake Gingerbread
Long ago ginger was considered sacred and gingerbread was a real delicacy. According to some it was only allowed to be made during the holidays making it a key symbol of winter and Yule.
Today we are lucky enough to have ginger and all of it’s amazing benefits readily available to us but having gingerbread around the holidays is still a staple tradition.
Go Carolling
In times past, young children would go from house to house singing Yule songs. They would be rewarded with treats and small gifts.
These small tokens were sometimes considered symbols of prosperity given to children by the Mother Goddess.
Ring the Bells
We all know the carol jingle bells…but why bells?
Bells would be rung in the morning to drive away the demons that arise in the darker part of the year. The bells were meant to chase away the dark and bring forth the return of the light following the winter solstice.
Craft a Wreath
Wreaths represented the wheel of the year. They were often given as gifts as a symbol of friendship and happiness.
Traditionally made with evergreens and decorated with pinecones and berries.
Light Candles
Candles symbolize the light and warmth of the sun. They were also another means to chase away demons.
They were a way to bring the bright energy and light of the sun into the home.
Decorate with Symbols of Yule
Indulge in elements like evergreen, holly, pine, yew, and of course, mistletoe.
Evergreens represented everlasting life and were hung around windows and doorways. Holly was thought to repel unwanted spirits. Pine was said to bring healing and joy and the yew tree was a symbol of rebirth.
Colours as well were a big part of the season. Red, green, white, silver, and gold are the quintessential colours everyone thinks of this time of year. Red for prosperity and love. Green for abundance and the promise of the spring time. White for cleansing and light. Silver to symbolize the moon. And gold of course to represent the sun and the radiant energy that comes along with it.
Nothing makes the holiday come to life quite like incorporating these symbols into your home decor for the season.
Indulge in Traditional Holiday Foods
No holiday is complete without a feast and Yule was certainly a time for one.
Crescent moon cookies, caraway cakes, wassail, eggnog, gingerbread, turkey, and berries were all traditional foods.
See how many you can incorporate into your own celebration this year.
Celebrate the 12 days of Yule
Set up an altar, light candles each evening, honour the god/goddess (if you choose), decorate your home for the season, give gifts, and take a moment to appreciate and honour nature each day.
Fully embrace and enjoy the warmth and joyful spirit of the season.
Refresh & Renew
This is a time of renewal for nature and so should be for ourselves.
Take this time to cleanse your space and your energies. Set new goals and aspirations for the weeks to come. Give into the feeling of freshness and rebirth.
You could even do a ritual to set new intentions and cleanse away negativity.
Listen to Yule Music
Now you may not go caroling, as it is not as common a practice as it once was, but do listen to the songs and sounds of the season.
Music is a wonderful source of joy and does wonders to lift the spirit and wash away stress. Tune in and sing along.
Embrace the Spirit of the Season
Get lost in the spirit of the season, let your soul shine, be present, be mindful, and enjoy every second of this magickal time of year.
When you do it will be easy to enter the new year feeling refreshed and invigorated to take on the rest of the season.
Be in touch with nature and the earth and you will know that reassurance in your heart that spring is just around the corner. The light time of the year is returning a little more each day.
I want to hear from you!
What Yule traditions do you incorporate into your yearly festivities? Do you have one particular thing that is your favourite?
I always love to know your thoughts, so please leave a comment or drop me a line. There are lots of ways for us to connect.
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Yule time Blessings pixie dolls.
Yours in health and magick,
Krystle xo
