The log itself is traditionally the largest, hardest log that can be gotten from the nearby forest with the intention that it will burn hotly and brightly through the longest night of the year. History of the Holiday Yule Log. Once practiced by the Vikings and Germanic people, the burning of the Yule Log, was a part of the celebrations of the winter solstice. While the roots of the tradition are somewhat unclear, it’s thought that it’s driven by Germanic paganism. It symbolized the shifting of darkness to light. The custom of burning the Yule log dates back to ancient times. A Yule log is a wonderful way to celebrate Yule or Winter Solstice with your family and friends! It became a symbol of Christmas, morphed into a … The first reference of the tradition of the Yule Log can be found in Norse Mythology. The yule log has its roots (and often simply was a root) in Norse mythology, and from there it was all up and up. Yule Log History: But what remains just in the form of a cake is a tradition that started long back, even before the advent of Christianity. The Yule Log is a tradition possibly of Germanic or Nordic origin. The word yule develops from the geōl, with cousin forms in such other Germanic languages as Old Norse and Gothic.English speakers are most familiar with yule through associations dating to its original use. The Yule (Juul) Log tradition started in Norway to honor the god Thor. A remainder of the yule log was kept to light the next year’s log. Pagan Yule Log Meaning, History, and Traditions. The yule log was thought to have the power to ward off misfortune, so it was kept in the home yearlong. It began as a pagan observance and adopted later into Christian holidays, burned on Christmas Eve. In pre-Christian Scandinavia, the Feast of Juul, or Yule, lasted for 12 days celebrating the rebirth of the sun and giving rise to the custom of burning a Yule log. The yule log may be prepared early in the season as a centerpiece to your household altar, or perhaps as decoration on the mantel, until winter solstice night when you will burn it. Source: Pinterest. A Yule Log is a log that is burned during Winter solstice and Christmas celebrations. It is a symbol of prosperity and luck. Family, friends, and neighbors would come together to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Yule logs are now often symbolized by a cake shaped like a log. A Yule log looks lovely on a table surrounded by candles and holiday greenery. Although some believe its origins are Pagan, the practice of burning a Yule log began in Medieval times as a Nordic tradition. The tradition of burning a Yule log at Christmastime predates modern commemorations of the birth of Christ. A simple but meaningful tradition is to, before you burn your log, have each person in the family write down a wish on a piece of paper, and then insert it into the ribbons. Yule Log is a significant part of Christmas traditions.Yule log is a large log burned in the hearth of the house. Yule Log. Keep reading to understand the meaning behind the tradition of yule logs and everything there is to know about it. In ancient Rome, the winter solstice was celebrated at the Feast of Saturnalia, to honor Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty. It is believed, if the tradition is followed with sincerity and devotion, it would bring good health, wealth and productivity in the year ahead. Another way to use your Yule log is to burn it as our ancestors did so many centuries ago. The Yule log has returned to its roots, having been incorporated into Winter Solstice celebrations. Modern commemorations of the tradition of the birth of Christ to understand the meaning behind tradition. Cake shaped like a log yule log meaning Medieval times as a Nordic tradition a shaped... In ancient Rome, the Winter Solstice celebrations the hearth of the Yule began. 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