Isn't that a great headline. Yule time is a winter festival observed by the historical Germanic peoples with the god Odin, and the pagan Anglo-Saxon god Modraniht. It 'underwent Christianized reformulation'. What popped out is the term Christmastide. It goes from December 21st to January 1st.
What is the yule log? The origin is unclear. It is a folk custom of a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a Christmas tradition. The first references are in the 16th century. The yule log symbolizes the battle between good and evil. As the log turned into ashes, it symbolized Christ's final and ultimate triumph over sin.
There are specific traditions with the Yule log: it is unlucky to have to light it again after it has once been started, and it ought not go out until it has burned away. Candles are lit from the Yule log by the youngest person present. While they are lit, all are silent and wish. Once the candles are on the table, silence may be broken. They must be allowed to burn themselves out, and no other lights may be lit that night.
This seems like a tradition where mystery and magic are ingrained in the social fabric of the people. It seems quite a contrast to our invitation to purchase at Christmas. An equal contrast in our pictures today of the colours of the orchid display at Longwood last year with the white winter landscape outside.
