Traditions and Trivia: Yule Log

The Yule log has been around for quite some time, and is a staple in Nordic winter celebrations.

“The origins of the Yule Log can be traced back to the Midwinter festivals in which the Norsemen indulged...nights filled with feasting, "drinking Yule" and watching the fire leap around the log burning in the home hearth. The ceremonies and beliefs associated with the Yule Log's sacred origins are closely linked to representations of health, fruitfulness and productivity,” states thehistoryofchristmas.com.

Burning of the Yule log was meant to represent the sun and bring good fortune, ward off bad luck, as well as protect the house from witchcraft.

Spreading the ashes of the Yule log was thought to bring good luck and fertility to the soil.

Variations of the burning differ by European region, with some burning one log on Yule, and others burning a whole tree over 12 days.

Other variances involve the region burning the log. Places like England would sprinkle the wood with cider, and France would drip wine onto the log, both meant to make the smell more pleasant.

The Yule log was added to Christian celebrations of Christmas in the 4th Century.

According to noelnoelnoel.com, “Pope Julius I decided to celebrate Christmas around the Winter Solstice, the Yule log tradition continued, but the fire came to represent the light of the Savior instead of the light of the Sun.”

To this day, some with fireplaces still make sure to burn a Yule log for good fortune.