Winter Solstice - Yule
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December 19-23
Overview:
The returning of the light. Ancient traditions celebrated Yule long before the spread of Christianity and the Christmas traditions we associate with this time of year. But Yule is very different form Christmas in some ways. The celebration of Yule tends to be much more relaxed, focusing on the return of the sun, rebirth, and renewal. Yule is a celebration of life, connection to nature, and the changing of the seasons. We focus on giving thanks, letting go of the past, and looking forward to the year ahead.
Common Traditions:
Trees are decorated, bonfires are lit, candles flicker, and twinkle lights illuminate the long dark night of winter solstice. This is the time of the year in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane before returning. From this night onward, the days will get progressively longer and warmer.
Light is an important part of any Yule celebration in whatever form you choose. I love a good fire and a few twinkle lights, casting pools of light in the velvety blackness of the night.
Some well known plants are associated with Yule - evergreen trees, boughs and garlands are brought into the home. Holly, an ancient symbol of protection, fidelity and loyalty, is hung. And birch logs, often associated with rebirth, are burned.
Colors:
Green, white, red, gold, silver, midnight blue
Plants/Herbs:
Rosemary, cinnamon, clove, orange, pine, holly, mistletoe
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Animals:
Wolves, bears, deer, wren, owl
Ideas to Celebrate:
Set up a Yule alter in the center of the home, near a fireplace, or favorite family gathering spot.
Send a low key evening at home and perform a Yule Ritual for Solitary Witches
Perform cleansing rituals and blessings. Smoke cleansing using pine, cedar, rosemary, juniper, and frankincense.
Host a Yule log ceremony and burning. Play some music and enjoy the company of loved ones. Some music ideas to get you started:
"Winter's Carol" by Loreena McKennitt
"In the Bleak Midwinter" by The Choir of King's College, Cambridge
"The Holly and the Ivy" by The Waverly Consort
"Carol of the Bells" by The Piano Guys
"What Child Is This?" by David Nevue
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by London Philharmonic Orchestra
"Auld Lang Syne" by Yo-Yo Ma
"O Tannenbaum" by Vince Guaraldi Trio
"Jingle Bells" by Mannheim Steamroller
"Silent Night" by Celtic Woman
Try you hand at some popular Yule crafts
Feast! Enjoy favorite foods of the holiday with family and friends. Opt for warm, spicy foods, roasts, and root vegetables.
A Poem For Yule
Yule, the festival of light,
A time of warmth, of celebration, of insight
The longest night, the darkness recedes
Nature awakens, her beauty proceeds
The candles are lit, the fire burns bright
A symbol of the return of the light, a guiding light
The magic of the season, it's in the air
A time for joy, for love, for care
The days are getting longer, the darkness retreats
Nature awakens, her beauty completes
A new cycle begins, a new year unfolds
A time for hope, for growth, for old stories retold
Yule, a time of new beginnings
For all that we have, all that is good
We give thanks for the blessings bestowed
And look forward to the path ahead, unrolled
So let us gather, let us sing
In celebration of the changing of things
Yule, a time of light and peace
May it bring you joy, love, and release.
