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Registration date : 2008-10-24
 | | Subject: Tradition of the Yule Log Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:40 pm | |
| Yule Log
The cutting, bringing in, and burning of the "Yule Log" originated with the Druids and early Scandinavians, but has survived today in most countries only as a memory., To ancient tribes, fire was a symbol of the home and safety. In the cold, bleak, and dark days of deepest winter, huge fires would be lit to burn out the sins of the past year. The Scandinavians believed the sun was attached to a big wheel (HWEOL) that stops for twelve days during the winter solstice, so they lit the fire to last for the entire period.
The English took on the custom, by burning a yule log on Christmas Eve. It was considered good luck to sit on it before it was burned. It was bad luck if the fire went out quickly. After the holidays had ended, a piece of the log was saved to rekindle next year's log. Much merriment, singing, and group activities surrounded the entire ritual from beginning to end, creating the "Yuletide" atmosphere that remains today, even in homes without a fireplace or a yule log to burn. | |
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