Yule

The Winter Solstice is commonly refered to by most Pagans as Yule, and as Alban Arthan by Druids. It is the longest (and darkest ) night of the year. From this point on, the days become longer.

At Yule we celebrate the return of the Sun God, who is reborn of the Goddess, conceived of Her union with the God at Beltane. The Child born on Yule grows to become Her consort again in the Spring.

Yule is a time to look back at the year behind us and ahead to the new year beginning. It is a time for reflection, a time to awaken new goals, leave the regrets of the past behind. It is a time for realization, a time to acknowledge the Lord and Lady and all Their gifts, a time to be thankful for the return of the light even in the cold and dark of winter. It is a time to re-dedicate oneself to a spiritual path, and to welcome new experiences and learning during the year to come.

Many traditions of the modern holiday of Christmas have Pagan roots adapted (or stolen) from the Pagan celebration of Yule. These include:

Trees: Many Pagans brought trees and bushes into their homes around the Winter Solstice. The foliage of evergreens was a sign that there was still abundant life survivng during the cold winter months. Some also believed that the tree in a home provided a warm place for wood fairies and spirits to dwell until the weather warmed again in the Spring.

Yule Log: This was a very important ancient Pagan tradition. Often a whole tree was burned for many days. It was adorned with herbs, spices, ribbons, and other symbols of what one wished for in the coming year. A piece of the log was saved to be burned with the new log the following year

Holly and Mistletoe: These plants were sacred to the Druids and were considered to have magical and aphrodisiac qualities.

Reindeer: A symbol and reminder of the Horned God. (The reindeer mentioned first in Clement's Night Before Christmas have "celestial" names)

Bells: These were often hung in windows or on Yule trees so that the ringing would announce that a spirit was near by.

Candles: These were used to welcome the Sun God and to symbolize the light returning to the earth