In a sense, the great festival of Yule on 22 December summed up the cycle of the Celtic year . The word Yule, according to the Venerable Bede, came from the Norse word Iul meaning ‘wheel’ and suggested that this was the time when the Great Wheel of Existence had completed its circle.
Is Yule Celtic or Germanic?
| Yule | Observed by Various Northern Europeans, Germanic peoples , Neopagans, LaVeyan Satanists | Type Cultural, Germanic Pagan then Christian, secular, contemporary Pagan and Satanic | Date Varies | Frequency Annual |
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Is Yule a Celtic holiday?
Druids, the priestly class in ancient Celtic society, celebrated the festival of Alban Arthuan (also known as Yule) at the time of the Winter solstice . ... So when celebrating Christmas the traditional trappings that go with this festive season have roots that go far back into Celtic history.
Is Yule Irish?
Find out more about the Holly tree in Celtic mythology
Yule is Germanic in origin but seems to have made its way west to the English-speaking lands over the centuries and been absorbed by Christian culture.
Is Yule Norse or Celtic?
Yule is one such holiday, a pagan celebration with roots in Norse and Celtic cultures . Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate Yule for 12 days and centers around the rebirth of the sun, symbolized in the days getting longer after the solstice.
What religion is Yule?
The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world.
How do Celts celebrate Yule?
Feasting, time with friends and family gathered around the fire burning yule logs, and decorating with holly and mistletoe – All of these traditions trace their roots back to Celtic Solstice traditions. They have all been incorporated into Christmas traditions, which is itself a mid-winter celebration.
What are the traditions of Yule?
- 1 Evergreen Garlands. Erin Kunkel. ...
- 2 Holly and Berries. Heidi Caillier. ...
- 3 Candles and Lights. Isabel PaviaGetty Images. ...
- 4 Mistletoe and Sage. Dana GallagherGetty Images. ...
- 5 Pine Cones and Cloves. Annie Schlechter. ...
- 6 Yule Log. Sara Liggoria Tramp.
What do you eat in Yule?
Seasonal fruits and vegetables include beets , bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Citrus Fruits, Cranberries, dates, escarole, fennel, horseradish, kale, parsnips, pears, persimmons, pomegranate, radishes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.
What is a Yule animal?
The Yule goat is a Scandinavian and Northern European Yule and Christmas symbol and tradition . Its origin may be Germanic pagan and has existed in many variants during Scandinavian history. Modern representations of the Yule goat are typically made of straw.
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 the pagan holidays?
- Winter Solstice (Yule)
- Imbolc (Candlemas)
- Spring Equinox (Ostara)
- Beltane (May Eve)
- Summer Solstice (Litha)
- Lughnasadh (Lammas)
- Autumn Equinox (Mabon)
- Samhain (Hallowe’en)
What Christmas traditions are pagan?
Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.
What does the name Yule mean?
Scottish and English: nickname for someone who was born on Christmas Day or had some other connection with this time of year , from Middle English yule ‘Christmastide’ (Old English geol, reinforced by the cognate Old Norse term jól).
What is a Yule log Pagan?
The Yule log, Yule clog, or Christmas block is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a Christmas tradition in regions of Europe , particularly the United Kingdom, and subsequently North America. The origin of the folk custom is unclear.
How many days is Yule celebrated?
The ancient festival was a 12 daylong celebration beginning on the eve of the Winter Solstice (known to most Pagans as Yule) and ending at the new calendar year. This celebration was so important in ancient times that it was converted by the Christians to the 12 Days of Christmas.
