Do you know what Yule is? Discover the traditions of this celebration

Yule is a celebration originating in Northern Europe that spans the entire winter solstice, but you might be wondering. what is yule? We at decided to explain better about this tradition that basically means the moment in which the King of Holly is defeated by the King of Oak.

What is Yule?

Yule is a celebration that was of great importance in pre-Christian Europe. At the time, many customs were absorbed by the Catholic Church to replace paganism and this ceremony in question ended up becoming the celebration of Christmas as we know it today.

The birth of Jesus in the month of December is associated with the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and the tradition of Christmas trees and decorated wreaths as well.

What is Yule and the difference between Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Because this celebration is linked to the winter solstice, Yule ends up having its celebration at different times of the year depending on the hemisphere. In the north, Yule is celebrated from the 21st of December, in the southern hemisphere it is celebrated from the 21st of June.

At the beginning of this pagan celebration, corn dolls were made, which were carried around the house to the sound of typical Yule songs. Those who participated in this ritual with the corn dolls believed that they carried them at home and singing these songs would bring blessings to the house and those who lived in it.

Yule Main Ritual

Now that you know a little more about Yule, let’s explain what is needed and how the most important ritual of this celebration is performed! You will need:
1 golden candle;
1 white candle;
1 green candle;
1 red candle;
bay leaves;
1 bell;
1 cauldron;
1 Glass with wine.

After separating and arranging these items next to the altar, you will place the golden candle inside the cauldron, the green candle on the left side of the altar, the red candle on the right side of the altar and the white candle in the center. Once this is done, you will draw a magic circle and say “Today I invoke the powers of the Spirits of Light. I unite my magical force with the energy of the Child of Promise so that the Sun is reborn”.

Then you will light the red candle and say “With this candle I honor all the Fire spirits”. Now the green candle “With this candle I honor all the spirits of Nature”. and finally the white candle “With this candle I celebrate the Spirit of Winter”. Finally, the golden candle which will be followed by the following sentence “With this candle, which lies in the darkness of the womb of the Goddess, I honor the Child of Promise who is born now and brings the return of light. ”

Then you will raise your arms towards the sky and say “By the horn and by the light brain and I welcome the Child of Promise, the reborn Sun that rises between valleys, rivers and mountains. Welcome, Divine Child.” After that you will take the bay leaves and macerate them in your hands making a request to the Goddess and the Sun God.

Place them in the cauldron along with the candle. Ring the bell three times and say “Blessed be the Goddess and God who turn the Wheel of Life once more. I welcome Yule and celebrate the eternal movement of Nature. May the light of God shine and may all be for it”. Then Raise the wine glass and say, “I drink this wine in honor of the Goddess and Child of the Sun.”

To end the celebration of this ritual, you can drink wine and make a libation (the act of offering wine in honor of the Gods). Sing and dance in honor of the Gods and at the end of it all undo the circle.

Now that you already know what Yule is and the month of June is approaching, how about taking advantage of this winter solstice and celebrating this very important ritual? Take the chance to have new experiences.

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