How to Celebrate Yule on the Winter Solstice
Ready to party? The pagan celebration of the winter solstice is known as Yule, and itâs one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. It simultaneously celebrates the shortest day of the year, midwinter, the return of the Sun, and a festival of rebirth. This year, it occurs from December 21, 2022, to January 1, 2023.
Yule marks the point at which the Sun begins to return to usâaka when the days begin to lengthen again. But the winter solstice is the darkest day of the year, so Yule is both a time of reflection and celebration.
The History of Yule
This festival has been on the calendar for centuries. Yule was first celebrated as far back as the fifth century (so, over 1,500 years back) by Germanic pagans, as a midwinter festival to stave off the dark and cold and prepare for the long winter still to come.
Farmers and locals would assemble at the heathen temple, bringing food, ale, and livestock to be sacrificed. I donât want to put you off, but they would splatter the blood of the sacrificial animals over their altars, the walls and themselves. There was also a lot of toasting to various gods (notably Odin). Drinks + sacrifices = messy.
Another ancient ritual: Celtic druids would give mistletoe, which commonly grows on oak trees, as a blessing to symbolize life during Yule. The Celts thought the Sun stood still for 12 days during the darkest time of the year, and they would light logs to keep away evil and welcome in good fortuneânow called the Yule log.
What Does Yule Have to Do With Christmas?
If you think all this sounds kind of familiar, thatâs because when Christianity spread throughout Europe, many pagan winter solstice traditions were incorporated into Christmas celebrations. Think of it as a compromise, if you like. As pagan religions were phased out and replaced by Christianity across Europe in the sixth and seventh century, Christians recognized that people were reluctant to give up all of their festivals and rituals. As such, Yule was reformulated to serve the new religion in town.
Who Celebrates Yule Today?
For centuries, Yule was the go-to winter festival for the Vikings, Germanic tribes, and peoples in pre-Christian Europe. Nowadays, is largely celebrated by Wiccans and other neo-pagan practitioners. That said, Yule's traditions are so overlapping with Christmas traditions that many people probably celebrate elements of it, without necessarily realizing it. Think wreaths, Yule logs, feasting, and celebrating. And why not? We can all share a good time.
As the outside world is at its darkest and the nights at their longest, Yule gives space for our inner realms to expand and come forth. It is a time to bring in new visions and ideas, make resolutions for the year ahead, and dream bold dreams.
How to Celebrate Yule
Make an Evergreen Wreath
Make a wreath of evergreens (like yew, holly, pine, mistletoe, and ivy) to represent everlasting life, protection, and prosperity. Or go bigger and make a solstice bush or tree by pushing the stalks of these plants into a pot of damp soil. Why these plants? Besides being seasonal, the yew tree is traditionally associated with eternity and reincarnation, holly and ivy ward off negative energy, pine has healing magic, and mistletoe brings fertility and abundance.
Light a Yule Log
Decorate an oak log with pine cones, dried berries, cinnamon sticks, holly, and mistletoe, and place it in your fireplace, if you have oneâor make a bonfire outside. Yule log burning is a symbolic ritual to release the past and banish old or negative energy that you donât want to follow you into the new year. Itâs also a way to welcome back the Sun and celebrate the fact that the days are going to get lighter from now on. Donât have a fireplace or fire pit? Put on a video like Netflixâs Fireplace for Your Home instead!
Have a Yule Feast
Feasting has always been a winter solstice tradition, with people gathering together to celebrate life in the darkness, connect with others, and feel safe. Serve up a traditional feast, or just make your favorite foodsâbonus points if they incorporate some local winter produce. Turn it into a party by asking everyone to bring along possessions they no longer want, wrap them up, and leave a pile of surprises on the floor for everyone to choose something from.
Do a Wishing Ritual
Think about your resolutions and intentions for the coming year. Light a candle and speak your resolutions out loud, then sit with the candle and let it burn down as you visualize your ambitions coming true. Imagine the positive rewards, daydream about living this new lifestyle, and then write down actionable steps for making your daydream a reality.
Declutter Your Space
Yule is a release of the old to get ready for the new, so itâs the perfect time to do some Yuletide cleaning. When youâve completed the physical cleaning process, spiritually cleanse your homeâI like smoke cleansing by burning plants like pine needles and mistletoe.
Have a Little Treat
I mean, any excuse, right? Treat yourself with something that embraces the natural world around you. This could be a naturally scented candle, a new crystal, a houseplant, or even a cake or pastry. Think about shopping sustainably this season, and consciously try to switch to recycled or sustainably sourced goods and products. Show some gratitude to Mother Nature!
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