The Yule Log - Modern Traditions with Ancient Roots

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The Yule Log - Modern Traditions with Ancient Roots

The custom of the Yule Log dates back to the Vikings. The log was cut from one of the largest trees that could be found. Odin, the father of the Norse gods, was commonly called the Yule Father, as Yule refers to the sun. It is essentially a celebration of the return of the sun's dominance, following the shortest day of the year.

Tradition insisted that the Yule Log be cut down from one's own land or from that of a neighbour. It could also be given as a gift, but must never be purchased. Different cultures deemed different woods appropriate. Most insisted on either ash or oak, and some accepted pine as well, though elder was never to be used. The log was usually so large that a team of horses or oxen was required to move it. It was dragged through the streets and then to the owner's hearth.

Before lighting it, further ceremonies were often performed. Some cultures would decorate the log with a figure of the sun or the Horned God, either drawn with chalk or carved directly into the wood. It might also be decorated with seasonal greenery. Some people would sprinkle it with oil, salt, flour, mulled wine, cider, ale, or a combination of these. Prayers were often said in final preparation for lighting.

Though holly was sometimes placed under the Yule Log to help kindle the fire, it was lit using the remains of the previous year's log. This provided a symbol of continuity. The fire was always lit on the eve of the solstice, December 20, the longest night of the year. This privilege fell to the women - young girls in some cultures, the mother in others. It should light on the first try, and should be kept burning through the night for twelve hours. Then, after being ceremoniously extinguished, it should be allowed to smolder for a full twelve days. Sometimes guests would toss a sprig of holly into the fire to burn away the troubles of the past year, and protect their houses from burning down in the coming year.

After the fire was completely out, a piece was kept to start the fire the following year. Additional cinders were sometimes kept as they were said to protect the house from lightning and other forms of harm.

Over the years, the Yule Log spawned other, similar traditions. In some cases this was because of the decreased use of great hearths, making it difficult or even impossible to safely burn such a large log. One such change was the adaptation of the idea to bring a tree inside the house, calling it a Yule Tree. It was decorated with candles rather than being burned (though it would later be disposed of by burning, since it was considered a sacred object). Pagan families would use a live tree so wood spirits would have a place to keep warm. Bells were hung on it to reveal the presence of a spirit, and treats were hung on it for the spirits to eat. Finally, a pentagram (five pointed star) was placed atop the tree.

Another offshoot tradition is the use of smaller Yule Logs. These are made with a branch of oak or pine drilled with holes to hold three candles. This form of Yule Log is often decorated with greenery, ribbons, and flowers, and used as a table centerpiece. Pagan families choose the candles to celebrate either the season (using red, green, and white), the Sun God (using green, gold, and black), or the Great Goddess (using white, red, and black).

There are many other Yule traditions which have found their way into common practice. Some of these include door-to-door caroling, kisses under the mistletoe, the exchange of presents, eating turkey, and drinking eggnog. Decorating our Christmas trees or doing any of these other things may have different meanings now than they did centuries ago, but the roots of these traditions lie very deeply in our past.