How to Understand the Significance of the Yule Log

The Yule log has undergone some transformations since it was first introduced in Europe centuries ago. Then, a huge log was ceremoniously dragged into the house and put on the hearth on Christmas Eve, accompanied by dancing and feasting. These days, Yule logs are smaller, and you can decorate with them or burn them in the fireplace.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Red Ribbons
• Candles
• Greenery
• Holly Sprigs
• Yule Logs
• Wood Chips Or Splinters

1. Do some research on the history of the Yule log. Visit a search engine like Google or Yahoo! and type in "yule log" and "history."
2. Cut your own Yule log well before Christmas and let it dry out so it will burn effectively.
3. Bring the Yule log inside on Christmas Eve.
4. Say prayers of thanks as you light the log, if desired, or accompany the lighting with food and drink and the singing of carols.
5. Do not burn the whole log at once. If you save an unburned part, it will protect your home from lightning and fire in the coming year; then use the unburned portion of the Yule log to help light next year's log.
6. Keep splinters or ashes from the Yule log to protect against evil or bring good luck.
7. Alternatively, make a decorative log studded with greenery and bedecked with candles, if you don't wish to burn the log in your fireplace.
8. Give a small, decorated Yule log as a gift of love from your family to someone else. Attach information about the history and significance of the Yule log to make it more meaningful.

Tips & Warnings

• Usually brought in on Christmas Eve, the Yule log was traditionally cut fresh and carried in to be laid on the hearth. It was then sprinkled with mulled wine and lit using splinters from last year's Yule log. Often, it was burned slowly over several days so that it would last through New Year's Day.
• Yule logs have now taken the form of a Christmas cake or pastry rolled in the shape of a log; they're usually frosted with chocolate and decorated with holly or edible adornments. You can find a traditional recipe by doing a search on the Web.
• Use caution if putting candles on a small Yule log decorated with greenery. Be careful when lighting and burning candles.

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