Yule

[Elia]

YULE
Ancient festival honoring the rebirth of the Sun God. ~ celebrated on or around December 21st.
Yule – the winter solstice – the longest night. Many of the symbols associated with Christmas are derived from pagan celebrations.
Burning of the Yule log – the yule log had to be large enough to burn for the entire holiday season. The New Years fire had to be lit from the embers of the Yule log to bring good luck to the household.
The Christmas tree and hanging boughs of holly and mistletoe where sacred plants to the Druids. The death of the Holly King (Wren) and the rise of the Oak King (Robin).
Eating Ham – Sacrifice of the sacred boar to Freyr.
In the Shetland Islands Yule lasts from Dec. 18th to Jan 18th. The main celebration is on dec 31st. Hogmanay. The return of the Sun as Frey is celebrated. In Scotland is is customary on New Years Eve at 12:00 for a tall dark handsome man to be the first to enter the house to ensure good luck for the coming New Year. He had to bring a gift of food and coal.
Colors – Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold, Yellow and Orange.
Incense – Bayberry, Pine, Ceder, Rosemary, Juniper, Cinnamon, Frankincense.
This post curtsy of ouroboros

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