Yule
December 5, 2023Yule begins on Thursday 21st December 2023 and usually lasts for 12 days. It is one of the oldest winter festivals in the world, and is a celebration of the returning of the light. In Scandinavia, bonfires were lit on 21st December in honor of Thor and Odin. The tradition of burning an oak or pine log long replaced this, and we know it today as the Yule Log.
You can still see a Yule bonfire today, but you may have to travel for it! The most famous is the Up Helly Aa in Shetland, but this is usually to celebrate the end of Yule.
Altar
You can decorate your altar any way you you like for Yule, but here are a few ideas:
Foliage: Pine cones and wreaths, mistletoe, fir, holly, or other evergreens.
Food: Seasonal fruit, oranges and orange peel, cinnamon, cloves and nuts.
Candles: Red, white and green, but also yellow to welcome the sun.
Other items: Bells, anything gold or yellow to welcome the sun back
I’ve also made mini altar kits for Yule, so you can pop up an altar on the go. Two pine & cedar scented spell candles, a dried orange slice, a pine cone, cinnamon bark, and whole cloves in a soft thick cream bag. £9 each.
Wassail
What is Wassail? It is a Yule drink traditionally drunk when Wassailing, which is basically going door to door and greeting your neighbours. In this article, it tells of how this evolved into Christmas caroling and mulled hot drinks. There is also a recipe to try!
https://www.learnreligions.com/go-a-wassailing-for-yule-2562973
I lived in a remote part of the Highlands when I was young, and we did something similar, but on New Year’s Eve. We called it ‘First Footing’, and it involved us visiting all of our neighbours after midnight until we came home drunk on New Year’s Day!
Rituals
English Heritage have a useful site about Stonehenge rituals. Winter Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge will take place at sunrise on Friday 22 December 2023:
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/
Shop
As always, I’m here if you need anything – even if it’s just a chat. This is the first year we are in our shop, so do drop in.
Last order dates
If you are relying on getting something delivered, I have put together some ‘last orders’ dates.
For Yule
Please place your orders by Sunday 10th December 2023.
For Christmas
Please place your orders by Saturday 16th December 2023.
There is a later option available at the checkout, so if you miss these dates you’ll need to tick the Special Delivery Guaranteed box and to have made your order by 12pm Wednesday 20th December 2023.
Have a Blessed Yule
Saranne