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How do you make a yule log?
To make a basic Yule log, you will need the following: A log about 14 – 18” long. Pine cones. Dried berries, such as cranberries. Cuttings of mistletoe, holly, pine needles, and ivy. Feathers and cinnamon sticks. Some festive ribbon – use paper or cloth ribbon, not the synthetic or wire-lined type. A hot glue gun.
How do you make a yule log for a solstice?
One traditional way to make a Yule log is to use a small log. Cut one side to make it level. Drill 3 holes to place tapered candles in. You could use it as a table centerpiece until Winter Solstice and then burn the whole log in your fireplace or backyard fire pit.
What do you get someone for Yule?
He recommends crystals and candles as great go-to gifts for those interested in Wicca or witchcraft. As paraffin, a byproduct of oil, becomes a dwindling resource over the next 100 years, soy or beeswax candles becoming more popular. Colors are vital to witchcraft and Wicca, and Yuletide is no exception.
What are some Yule traditions?
Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions. Build a Yule Altar. Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath. Burn a Yule Log. Decorate a Yule Tree. Exchange Nature-Based Gifts. Give Back to Nature. Celebrate in Candlelight. Set up a Meditation Space.
What type of wood is used for yule log?
The custom of the Yule Log spread all over Europe and different kinds of wood are used in different countries. In England, Oak is traditional; in Scotland, it is Birch; while in France, it’s Cherry. Also, in France, the log is sprinkled with wine, before it is burnt, so that it smells nice when it is lit.
How many candles go in a yule log?
Modern Yule logs typically hold three candles.
How long should a Yule log burn?
Most traditions specify the log should only be ignited with wood from the previous year’s Yule log with someone with clean hands! However, other Yule log customs are steeped in superstition. One superstition is to capture the true magic of the Yule log, it must burn for twelve hours and in some places twelve days.
What is the purpose of a yule log?
The Christmas practice calls for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night (January 6). The log is subsequently placed beneath the bed for luck, and particularly for protection from the household threats of lighting and, with some irony, fire.
Does Yule involve gifts?
In Germanic Neopagan sects, Yule is celebrated with gatherings that often involve a meal and gift giving. In most forms of Wicca, this holiday is celebrated at the winter solstice as the rebirth of the Great horned hunter god, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun.
Why is Yule 12 days?
The Yule log was a whole tree meant to be burned for 12 days in the hearth. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice. They thought by keeping the Yule log burning for these 12 days encouraged the sun to move, making the days longer.
What are winter solstice decorations?
1. Decorate a Winter Solstice Yule Tree. Decorate an indoor or outdoor yule tree to celebrate the solstice this winter. In ancient times, solstice trees were decorated with candles, known as yule tree lights, and adorned with ornaments that symbolized the sun, moon, and stars.
What are the symbols of Yule?
Lighted candles in windows and lights on houses and trees (Christmas tree lights) are the leftover symbols of these bonfires, and are meant to symbolize and aid the return of the Sun. Tinsel and icicles are fertility magic also, representing the rains which will come to fertilize the earth in the spring.
What are winter solstice traditions?
Astronomically, the winter solstice marks the end of fall and beginning of winter, and solstice traditions were created to celebrate the “birth of the sun.” The occasion is marked with sweet traditions—from brewing up mulled cider to lighting lanterns to setting intentions for the season ahead—and we have rounded up Dec 18, 2020.
Are Yule and Christmas the same?
Christmas can refer to December 25 itself, but it can also refer to the whole Christmas season. Yule can work the same way: yule can refer to both Christmas and the broader Christmas season, which can also be called yuletide.
Whats the difference between a Yule log and a regular log?
Today, a Yule log is still a Christmas tradition in some cultures; a large log is traditionally burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. For others cultures, the Yule log is defined as a log-shape chocolate cake enjoyed as a Christmas dessert. They can be used in fireplaces or as decor.
What’s in a traditional Yule log?
This festive yule log cake is chocolate cake filled with whipped cream, rolled into the shape of a log, and coated with a chocolate ganache – a classic European holiday tradition! Serve with a White Hot Chocolate or Cranberry Mimosa for an extra festive celebration.
What is a pagan Yule log?
The tradition of yule logs has its roots in pagan rituals. Northern Europeans, like Vikings, celebrated the Festival of Yule to honor the winter solstice by journeying into the woods in search of a hearty oak tree. The event was a family affair, with family members venturing out in search of a choice cut of wood.
What is the difference between a yule log and a Swiss roll?
The main difference between yule log and swiss roll is their appearance. Yule logs are made to resemble Yule logs that are burned on the Christmas eve while Swiss rolls are just cylindrical cakes with a spiral cross-section.
Why do we eat log cake during Christmas?
Why do we eat log cake a.k.a Yule log during Christmas? Before the medieval era, in winter, families would gather around the fireplace and burn huge decorated logs that were anointed with wine & salt. The ashes were used to ward off evil spirits and said to have medical benefits.
Is Christmas really a Pagan holiday?
Though December 25 is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the date itself and several of the customs we’ve come to associate with Christmas actually evolved from pagan traditions celebrating the winter solstice. “In ancient Rome there was a feast called Saturnalia that celebrated the solstice.
Where did the yule log cake originate?
France.
How do kids celebrate Yule?
Either way, make sure your kids understand WHY you’re celebrating — otherwise, it’s just another day with no meaning. of 07. Do Something Good For Someone Else. of 07. Create Something New. of 07. Create Your Own Yule Log. of 07. Get Green. of 07. Hold a Family Celebration. of 07. Hold a Feast. of 07. Start a Storytelling Tradition.
When did Yule become Christmas?
By circa 900, Yule was being used as a word for Christmas, which it still is in Scottish and northern dialects (and as a “literary archaism” for the rest of us). So when Alfred the Great gave free-men 12 days at Yule in the late 9th century, he meant a Christmas vacay.
