What are the 13 days of Yule?
“The 13 Days of Yule” was sung in Scotland as far back as the early 1800’s, to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Yule was originally a heathen feast that lasted for 12-13 days. Eventually it came to represent the midwinter season of December and January.
What are the traditions of Yule?
Here are some customary ways to celebrate the solstice—you might notice that some resemble beloved Christmas traditions.
- Build a Yule Altar. …
- Make an Evergreen Yule Wreath. …
- Burn a Yule Log. …
- Decorate a Yule Tree. …
- Exchange Nature-Based Gifts. …
- Give Back to Nature. …
- Celebrate in Candlelight. …
- Set up a Meditation Space.
How many days is a Yule celebration?
Twelve Days
Now, I know that we all sing about the Twelve Days of Christmas, but you might not have realized that the pagan celebration of Yule is twelve days long, starting with the winter solstice on December 21 and ending on January 1.
Why is Yule 12 days?
The Yule log was a whole tree meant to be burned for 12 days in the hearth. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice. They thought by keeping the Yule log burning for these 12 days encouraged the sun to move, making the days longer.
Is Yule a Celtic?
Yule is one such holiday, a pagan celebration with roots in Norse and Celtic cultures. Pagans in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate Yule for 12 days and centers around the rebirth of the sun, symbolized in the days getting longer after the solstice. … Celebrations include burning a Yule log.
What is the difference between Yule and Christmas?
Yule is an ancient Germanic midwinter festival associated with the god Odin (or Woden). Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ.
Do the 12 days of Christmas include Christmas Day?
The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and last right through until January 6, also known as Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany. The period has been celebrated since before the middle ages but was updated over time to include prominent figures in Christian history.
What is the proper greeting for Yule?
Happy Yule
During the Yule, the Oak King conquers the Holly King until Midsummer. Greetings include “Happy Solstice,” “Merry Yuletide,” and “Happy Yule.”