Yule

Southern Hemisphere Date: June 20-23

Northern Hemisphere Date: December (20-23)

Winter solstice or Yule is the shortest day, and also the longest night of the year. It marks the return of the Sun’s warmth and light, and the promise once again of a productive Earth. Pagans celebrate these aspects with candles, fire, greenery and feasting. At this time, Yule logs are burned.

Why do we celebrate Yule?

Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice. “Solstice” comes from the Latin words “sol,” for sun, and “sistere,” or to stop. It is the time when the day is at its shortest, and marks the point at which days begin lengthening. This was an important holiday because it marked the return of warm, sunny weather, when crops and animals would begin flourishing again. Winter is an introspective period, which allows us to internalize and meditate on our actions, on our past and on our future.

The festivals of Yule (from the Old Norse: Júl) are celebrated every winter solstice. The winter solstice falls between the 20th and 23rd of December. Because it is a natural phenomenon, the date varies a little from year to year.

In the northern hemisphere, Yule is celebrated around December 21, and in the southern hemisphere, around June 21.

The pagan festival of Yule has its origins in pre-Christian Scandinavia. It was mainly a family feast dedicated to fertility and reunion of the family. During this festival, dead family members are remembered. This party is organized in splendor and magnificence around the graves of the deceased relatives. It is also a period to show love and hospitality to strangers too.

“We put lights on our entrances and porches and on the roofs of our garages to scare away the darkness. We celebrate THE RENAISSANCE OF LIGHT on the longest night of the year. The winter solstice is a time to gather, for love, peace, goodwill and, more importantly, for FORGIVENESS. In this austere and cold season, we use branches and foliage to symbolize life; bright colors, images of rich harvests and mountains of gifts to ward off hardship or fear of it “.

——– Cerridwen Iris Shea

Yule in Australia

The Yule log must traditionally be the root of a hardwood tree, and in Australia mallee roots are ideal for this purpose, as are Tasmanian oaks and all types of Eucalyptus. The Yule log is burned down until nothing but a small piece remains, which is saved and kept to be used as a lighter for the following year’s Yule fire. A Yule tree is placed within the traditional  home, with a pentagram (five pointed star) at the top, symbolizing the five elements. Presents are exchanged and many Witches stay up all night to welcome the sun. This is symbolic of the Goddess giving birth to the God and then resting after her ordeal.

Key Points:

  • This is an excellent time to focus on planning for the year
  • This is a time for intense celebration and devotion to Lucifer or Satan.
  • The night of the 22nd is significant and spend in dedication to Lucifer or Satan.
  • Indulgence, decorating the home, family celebrations and get-togethers.