Yule Log Traditions
A Yule log is a large log that originally burned during a pagan holiday called Yule. Adopted by Christianity, it was then burned on a hearth as a way of celebrating Christmas in Europe. People believed that burning the log would bring prosperity in the coming year. Yule logs also expanded into new traditions and conformed to a more modern world. Whichever tradition or religion is practiced, the burning of the Yule log continues.
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Winter Solstice
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Winter solstice, or Yule as it was known in ancient times, celebrates the light and the sun's rebirth each solar year. According to "Yule: Customs and Traditions" by Julia O'Farrell, Celtic pagans used oak logs, decorated with mistletoe, ribbons and other like items, to burn for 12 days during winter solstice. Traditionally they tossed the ashes on fields or put them inside amulets. The Celts kept a piece of the charred log to light the new log in the coming solstice. The tradition changed somewhat in that the log usually burns for 12 hours now instead of 12 days.
Tradition in France
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French families used the Yule-log burning as a way to bring the family together. Cherry wood was the favored choice. Families cut and burned a piece of the log each night for 12 nights. However, according to the France Guide website, burning the log was largely discontinued in the 19th century when iron stoves replaced fireplaces in homes. Instead, a small log decorated the table as a centerpiece surrounded by greenery. Furthermore, the French created a chocolate Yule-log dessert, colored to look like wood, decorated and served during the holiday.
Great Britian's Version
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The British prefer a dried oak log, stripped of its bark before burning. They also gave the Yule log different names, among them "The Mock." Some places do not use logs at all, but instead bundle twigs together for burning. This practice comes from the legend of shepherds burning twigs to keep Mary, Joseph and Jesus warm.
Electronic Yule Log
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The newest tradition of burning the Yule log, created by Fred Thrower of WPIX in 1966, is a televised broadcast of a burning Yule log. Thrower originally created the broadcast for New Yorkers, who did not have fireplaces to burn an actual log. This electronic Yule log broadcasts to Canada and the United States and is accompanied by Christmas music and the sound of a crackling fire. It syndicates all over the United States on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Other companies have since offered their own versions of the Yule log on video or DVD.
Scents
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Different things sprinkled on Yule logs create scents while it burns. For example, the French traditionally sprinkle the log with wine for a nice aroma. Other spices, salts and oils sprinkled sparingly work well, too. This tradition depends on the preferences of whoever is burning the log.
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- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpc009/3137245473/
