How to Make a Yule Log Burn

A Yule log continuously burns for 12 hours.

Burning Yule logs is a practice of pagans and Christians during winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. Traditionally, burning would last 12 days. Differences in today's lifestyle have altered the custom to logs burning on one day of the holiday. Highly decorated, the adornments made to the logs serve a functional purpose. Symbolic herbs and botanicals are used to kindle the slowly igniting white oak, enhancing the ritual.

Things You'll Need

• White oak log
• 6 pine boughs
• 8 holly branches, berries attached
• Mistletoe sprig
• 1 yard silk ribbon
• 1 yard gold ribbon
• 1 cup apple cider
• Medium wicker basket
• 6 to 8 large pine cones
• 2 cups acorns
• 1 gallon dried oak leaves
• 2 dozen oak twigs
• Remnant piece of previous year's Yule log

Instructions

1. 

   Yule logs are cut in lengths to fit a fireplace.

   Cut a large white oak log to fit the fireplace.

2. 

   Mistletoe grows in oak trees and is symbolic of healing.

   Embellish the log with a bouquet of pine boughs, holly branches, and mistletoe sprigs. Tie the bouquet onto the top of the log with silk and gold ribbons. Sprinkle the assembled log with apple cider.

3. 

   Holly's evergreen leaves beautify earth through winter in Druid lore.

   Place extra botanical decorations in the wicker basket --- pine cones, acorns, dried oak leaves and oak twigs. Set the basket next to fireplace.

4. 

   Dense oak wood burns slow flames, enhancing the Yule tradition.

   Place the adorned log into the fireplace. Light it using the remnant piece of the previous year's Yule log as the starter. Keep the fire kindled throughout the 12-hour period by adding botanical matter from the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Use seasoned wood, never green. If oak is unavailable, substitute another dense wood log such as dogwood, apple or ash.

• Make the Yule log with family members. Logs may be made several weeks in advance and used as decoration.

• Fireplaces should have a proper covering when in use to prevent house fires.

• Some botanicals pop when burning and may fly out of a fireplace.

References

• US Forest Service; Plants of the Winter Solstice; John Stritch; December 2010
• BBC; Ten Ages of Christmas; Christina Lalumia; February 2011

Resources

• The History of Christmas; Yule Log; 2004
• NoelNoelNoel; The Yule Log; Tomm Larson
• The Crone's Cottage; The Yule Log; November/December 2001
• Proud to be Pagan; Yule Log; Amber Skyfire