How do I teach my child about Yule?
Table of Contents
How do I teach my child about Yule?
Either way, make sure your kids understand WHY you’re celebrating — otherwise, it’s just another day with no meaning.
- of 07. Do Something Good For Someone Else.
- of 07. Create Something New.
- of 07. Create Your Own Yule Log.
- of 07. Get Green.
- of 07. Hold a Family Celebration.
- of 07. Hold a Feast.
- of 07. Start a Storytelling Tradition.
Are Yule logs Christian?
Despite its long affiliation with the Christian holiday of Christmas, however, the Yule log actually has its roots in pagan Norse mythology.
What is the purpose or role of the Yule log?
The Christmas practice calls for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night (January 6). The log is subsequently placed beneath the bed for luck, and particularly for protection from the household threats of lightning and, with some irony, fire.
What is Yule and how is it celebrated?
Yule is a pagan celebration of the winter solstice, which marks the longest night of the year and therefore the return of the sun. On this day, the earth’s axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane.
What do you do on the first day of Yule?
Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.
- Build a Yule Altar.
- Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath.
- Burn a Yule Log.
- Decorate a Yule Tree.
- Exchange Nature-Based Gifts.
- Give Back to Nature.
- Celebrate in Candlelight.
- Set up a Meditation Space.
What is the story behind the Yule log?
The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. “Yule” came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth.
Where does the tradition of the Yule log come from?
It was originally a Nordic tradition. Yule is the name of the old Winter Solstice festivals in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe, such as Germany. The Yule Log was originally an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony.
What is the Yule log tradition?
The tradition of the Yule log began in Norway, where a giant log was hoisted onto the hearth to celebrate the return of the sun each year. Hold a simple ritual by having each family member write down wishes, place them in the log, and then burn it in your fireplace.
What is the spiritual meaning of Yule?
In most forms of Wicca, this holiday is celebrated at the winter solstice as the rebirth of the Great horned hunter god, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun.
What is the difference between Christmas and Yule?
Yule is a noun meaning “Christmas, or the Christmas season,” which is the Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, yule can also refer to the celebration of the winter solstice that’s observed in some Pagan traditions.
How do families celebrate Yule?
Each family member makes a wish for the coming year as they light their candle. The centre candle should be lit by parents, with a reverential prayer of thanks for each family member, for the year gone and the year to come, and for the gift of the sun.
What is the difference between Yule and Christmas?
What do you put on a Yule log?
Janina’s yule log requires the following items: Holly, ivy or any winter greenery such as mistletoe or juniper. Mushrooms: Fly agaric if possible. Wire, or a glue gun, for fastening elements to log. Thin, wax dinner candles.
Why do we give gifts on Yule?
Gift-giving became a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, just as pagan Yule branches became “Christmas trees”.
What is the yule log cake tradition?
The Bûche de Noël cake is a French Christmas tradition that dates back to the 19th century. The cake represents the yule log that families would burn starting on Christmas Eve. The burning of the yule log symbolized the new year to come and would bring good luck to the family.
What is so special about the ashes of a yule log?
The ashes of Yule logs were meant to be very good for plants. This is true, because the ash from burnt wood contains a lot of ‘potash’, which helps plant flowers.
What are some Yule traditions?
What do children in France put out for Santa to fill?
In France, children leave out their shoes or socks in front of the fireplace, hoping Père Nöel will fill them to the brim with little presents, sweets, fruit, nuts and anything else that will fit in there.