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Winter
Solstice marks the time of the year when the light returns as the sun shifts and
starts to move northward again. In Europe, the tradition of the Yule log is
celebrated on Winter Solstice.
A special log is brought in and placed on the hearth where it glows for
the twelve nights of the holiday season.
After that, it is kept in the house all year to protect the home and its
inhabitants from illness and any adverse condition.
This is just one of many different annual customs of the Yule Log.
In
America, some annual customs of the Yule Log mirror those from Europe.
These customs are still practiced today. One in particular uses regular
firewood. Of
all the firewood set aside for use that winter one perfect log is picked and
used. It is brought inside the house and put in an area where guests and friends
can easily see the log.
A wish is made by whoever puts their hand on the log. When the log is
burned on Christmas Day all the wishes will come true in the upcoming year.
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