The Yule Log
The element of fire has always paid a large part in pagan ritual so it is not uncommon to find bonfires in pagan history. But the Yule log is a strange tradition goes as far back as Egypt 5000 BC were logs where burnt in death rituals and to honour Horus, their sun god.
There is no definitive tradition or history to say when and where it comes from and some even say that the Yule log had no religious significance, and was instead simply a festive decoration with practical uses.
In the UK there was no account of any folk tradition using a log as special significance until around the 17th century giving rise to the idea that the Yule log was and import from Europe. Historical it is believed that the Yule log origins lie in Germanic or Norse Paganism (pre Christianity)
The Yule log was a whole tree original which was selected for it size and to insure warmth and comfort. In Europe some traditions place the large log in the hearth with the rest of the tree pointing in to the room. Over the years the Yule log has been reduced in size from a tree to an average size log.
The Yule log morphed into a Christian tradition and became associated with the 12 days of Christmas. The tradition of the Yule log virtually died out during the 20th century but was replaced with the Bûche de Noël a chocolate covered Swiss roll decorated to look like a log.
Yule Log Traditions.
The first account of the Yule in England was from Robert Herrick, a clergyman. He claims that the Christmas log was a symbol of prosperity and protection from evil. He said that the log was carried to the farmhouse by men and as reward would be offered beer. The log would be lit using a piece from the pervious year Christmas log and all the remnants of the fire would be collected and kept to insure protection for the coming year.
In Celtic Britain and Gaelic Europe a large log or tree was anointed with salt, holly, wine and evergreens. And was by lit a young girls or a mother. the remnants where kept to light the next year’s log. Some put it to one side of the hearth, burning it for days, even the whole year. The ashes were highly prized – apparent protection against evil and lightning. Birch, oak, willow and holly woods were most often used.
In modern times probably due to the fact there are not so many working open fires the Yule log has become a simple decorated log with a symbolic candle to represent the lighting of the Yule log these are often used as table decorations. These Yule logs are normally made or brought pre-made. To make one you need a log 14 to 18 inches and a hot glue gun and a candle and decorations such as Pinecones, Dried berries, such as cranberries, Cuttings of mistletoe, holly, pine needles, ivy, Feathers, cinnamon sticks and ribbon, a based (bit of card or cake broad) and blue track. Secure your log to the based with blue tack so it does not roll and place a candle in the centre secure with blue tack glue the rest of the decoration on and you have your own Yule log.
Although the Yule log has it roots in paganism it true origins have been lost and although used in some pagan paths the Yule log is no more than a remnant of a folk tradition that has been adopted by other religions as they needed it.
But no matter its history or uses the Yule log is a symbol of warmth and protection and joy and celebration and any symbol that can be coated in chocolate is fine with me.
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Originally posted 2011-03-12 07:39:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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