Yule

origins of traditions

Have you ever wondered where the symbols we recognize as Christmas decorations originate? There is a rich history centered around the longest night, signaling the return of light. Since ancient times, winter festivals have been celebrated worldwide. These traditions were ultimately incorporated into Christmas around AD 336.

Germanic/Norse and Celtic peoples celebrated around the Solstice Festival known as Yule. The celebrations involved feasting, decorating with evergreens, and burning a yule log, marking the rebirth of the sun after the longest night.

Oh Tannenbaum…

Evergreen boughs have been essential seasonal decor since ancient times as part of pagan winter solstice celebrations. “Evergreens at midwinter festivals were traditional since the ancient world, signifying the victory of life and light over death and darkness,” writes Carole Cusack,

Interestingly, though, Christmas trees took root all over Europe (pun intended). It is the Germans who are credited with initiating the tradition. Lights were first introduced to the Christmas tree by Martin Luther, by lit candles on the Christmas tree before the invention of electric light. I remember years ago, some friends of ours, who came from Northern and Eastern European backgrounds, would have a group over for their annual lighting of the Christmas tree with the traditional candles. Always under very careful observation and with safety precautions in place, we would toast the season during this special tradition that we were lucky to be part of.

cracking a bottle of our homemade wine

Here We Come a-Wassailing…

Wassailing is a 12th-night tradition that was meant to celebrate the harvest, please the spirits of the fruit trees, and toast a good year ahead. Many times, this included singing around a bonfire and sharing a communal wassail bowl to share the drink, usually cider, ale, or spiced wine. The word Wassail itself means ‘be in good health’. These traditions, over time, led to groups of people drinking and spreading cheer by going door to door. Thus, became the tradition of Christmas Carolling.

Twas the Night Before Christmas…

An anonymous poem printed in a New York newspaper in 1821 changed the way Americans viewed Christmas forever.

“Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in America at that point,” Smith tells History. “When it is, it’s a rowdy street celebration drawing on old-world traditions.” Those customs had become popular in Western Europe, then spread to the U.S. along with the first waves of immigrants to the new nation.¹

This poem changed the tradition of revelry and celebrating the return of light to one of a hearth and home, a magical time for children.

As we approach the longest night of the year, I wish you peace, the magic of family, and the wonder of the world around us, untempered by noise. Unplug and enjoy!

Until next time,

Hello friend! My name is Amy. I am so happy you have stopped by ✨ If you are new here, a warm welcome to you! This space is where I meander through midlife, connecting to my true self through the seasonal shifts and simpler living, and seeking my inner wise woman. If you are also on this path and looking for someone to walk gently beside you, I see you and am here. Let’s color outside the lines together.

1. National Geographic