Midwinter has been celebrated by Europeans for millennia. Decorating with greenery, hanging ornaments in trees, caroling, and gift-giving are all customs that originated with Germanic peoples celebrating the day of Yule. Some scholars believe that the festival of Yule is closely related to Saturnalia , a week-long holiday that ancient Romans celebrated around the solstice.
During the long celebration, Romans honored Saturn, the god of agricultural bounty. Festivities included giving gifts and creating elaborate feasts. The idea of these two battling gods represents the ever-changing seasons and the cycle of the sun.
Seasonal plants are an integral part of Yule. The custom of setting up an evergreen tree is an old tradition of bringing the outdoors in. Evergreens symbolize the continuation of life, as they remain full and bright while all the other trees lose their leaves. Boughs and garlands collected from evergreen trees can be used to decorate indoor spaces. Holly represents the old solar year as well as the Holly King, who may have been a precursor to Santa Clause.
It was once considered a sacred plant by the Druids, and was a symbol for protection. Ivy is another reminder that life continues, as the plant often lives on after its host plant has died. It is said to represent fidelity and loyalty. Hanging ivy around the house during this time of year is a way to symbolize the strength of family bonds.
Well-known for its association with December holidays, mistletoe stands for peacemaking and the end of discord. On one of the nights of Solstice, turn off all lights, experience the longest night, reflect on renewal and peace, and turn the lights back on to symbolize the birth of the New Solar Year.
Recognize Santa as a multi-cultural, multi-religious character - learn about the Pagan roots of Santa and other Winter Solstice sacred gift bringers, including the Goddess Holda see my article: When Santa was a Woman on beliefnet for more info.
Listen to Pagan Yuletide music. Create a Yuletide chant, poem, or song. Burn a Yule Log in a hearth, in a bonfire, or by burning candles on, in, or near a log of Oak on an altar. Learn about Yule Log traditions and create your own. There are so many great ways you can decorate your home for the Yule season. Adapt store-bought Christmas decorations, or make your own Pagan-themed home decor for the season. Most Pagans will have a potluck at the drop of a pointy hat, so Yule is as good a time as any to plan a big feast.
Spread the table out with your favorite holiday dishes, lots and lots of candles, and some of these delicious seasonal recipes. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. This is the optimal time to take naps, do some extra beauty routines, journal your heart out, and eat some soul food. Bringing in family and friends to your home also increases the energy flow of your space, so bring in some Yuletide cheer! Capricorn Season kicks off the same day, so you will feel the energy shift transitioning into this nimble Earth sign.
Capricorns are known for being ambitious — climbing mountains gracefully, with care, and conquering as they go.
This is why you need all the rest you can get to gear up for such a determined season. You can make a lot of parallels from ancient Yule to modern-day Christmas.
The first, as mentioned before, is the Yule log. It is then burned and left to smolder for 12 days, signifying the growing sun.
0コメント