Yule comes up on December 21, on the winter solstice. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Sun gets its lowest elevation in the sky. Apart from the marking of a new season, the winter solstice also holds a significant symbol for the Sun. It appears to stand still on this day, it’s believed that the Sun is going through a rebirth. It would then gain momentum after the solstice. The holiday also depicts several pagan beliefs, especially that of the Holly King handing over power to the Oak King, ushering in a new season of light.
History of Yule
Our ancestors depended on the passage of times and seasons. And the best way to measure the seasons was by observing the Sun and the Earth’s orbit around it. The winter solstice is the time of the year when the Sun is reborn, announcing a new season.
On December 21, the day is shorter as the Sun seems to stand still on a lower elevation, making the night longer. But, it is a transition period that ushers in a new season of more sunlight. Yule celebrations used to be tied with different pagan traditions, bordering on mythology and culture. Popular notions include the myth of the goddess giving birth to the Sun god. There is also the celebration of the surrender of power from the Holly King unto the Oak King. Plus, the ancient festival of the Germanic people about the Wild Hunt and the god Odin is also around the same time.
All the above form the crust of the Yule celebration. But, as stated earlier, it is even more symbolic in that it helped our ancestors to determine times and seasons. Understanding times and seasons was usually the difference between life and death, food availability and famine, victory and defeat, and many other things. With the introduction of Christianity, the Yule celebration has been linked with Christmas traditions too. It’s thought that December 25 was chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ because it is the renewal period. Yule and Christmas both share certain similarities, and they often overlap as well.
Yule timeline
Yule is celebrated as early as 4 A.D. by the German gothic people.
‘Giuli’ is mentioned by St. Bede, depicting the festive days between December and January.
The noun Yuletide is used about the Christmas period.
The constant famine that usually plagued the winter months is curtailed.
Yule FAQs
Is Yule the same as Christmas?
While the celebrations often overlap, they are two different holidays.
What is Yuletide?
It is the period around Christmas, from December 21 to January 1.
Is Yule a Pagan celebration?
The celebration has some history of pagan traditions, but contemporary festivities may not regard these.
Yule Activities
Decorate your home
During the Yule holiday, you can decorate your home with Yule artifacts. These include evergreen trees, wreaths, boughs, candles, and many more.
Prepare a traditional Yule meal
Some meals characterize the Yule celebration, and they’re easy to make. An example is the buttermilk bread charm.
Give gifts and celebrate with friends
During the Yule holiday, you can offer gifts to friends. And also gather around a bonfire to celebrate the rebirth of light.
5 Interesting Facts About The Winter Solstice
It happens twice a year
The winter solstice occurs twice a year, once in the Southern Hemisphere, and also in the Northern.
The longest night of the year
It is the day that is coupled with the lengthiest night.
The shortest day of the year
Incidentally, on the winter solstice, the Sun appears for a very brief period.
Meaning of solstice
Solstice is a combination of two Latin words meaning “the Sun stands still.”
Summer solstice in June
While the winter solstice occurs in December, an opposite occurrence happens in June.
Why We Love Yule
It gives a better understanding of seasons
During the Yule celebration, we get a better awareness of our Sun. We understand better the turning of seasons and the orbit of our Earth.
It is a celebration of light
The winter solstice heralds the rebirth of the Sun. Thus, it is considered a festival of light.
It is rich in history
On the Yule holiday, we learn more about our ancestors. Most especially, we also get to understand their activities during the winter periods.
Yule dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 21 | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 21 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
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