The word yule has its origins in both the old Norse term Jol, known in modern Scandinavian languages as Jul. Originally, the Jol (Yule) translated to "wheel," referring to the wheel of the seasons that would turn around at this point in the year. Jol was a Winter Solstice celebration marked by feasting, dancing and a general "Yule-joy." Over time, the word evolved to the Germanic people's Jul and referred to December holidays, including Christmas and Hanukkah.
The Yule Log
In the Norse Yuletide tradition, people would feast around a log burning fire as part of the Winter Solstice festival. The fire fed off of a log that represented prosperity and health. Because the burning of the log became central to these winter celebrations over time, the log itself became known as the Yule Log.
While the English traditionally cut the Yule and sang as they carried it home, the French would carry the Yule Log around their home three times before pouring wine on it and then setting it on fire. Throughout Europe, a small section of the Yule Log would be held back from the fire so it could be used to light the fire the following year.
Fires were supposed to be burned for at least twelve hours to guarantee a promise and good luck for the new year. Some relate the origins of the "twelve days of Christmas" with this twelve-hour burning of the Yule Log.
Wassailing as a Yuletide Tradition
Although its origins are unknown, the earliest documented instance of wassailing as a Christmas tradition dated back to the early 1300s. In this text, an Englishman raised a large bowl to a crowd of people he was leading and shouted out the Old English word Wassail, meaning "to your health."
The Wassailing Song
Here is a traditional wassailing song that dates back to the middle ages:
Wassail! wassail! all over the town,Wassailing has been used among clergy and their followers as well as entire communities to celebrate a good harvest and promote strong friendships. The common practice of wassailing involves sharing a spiced punch from a single cup.
Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown;
Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree;
With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee.
In England, the Yuletide tradition of wassailing involved going from house to house singing Christmas carols in exchange for money (that was generally donated to charity), food or more drinks.
While the exact ingredients of the drink are debated, wassail generally consists of sugar, ale, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and strongly resembles a hot mulled cider or beer. Regardless of the ingredients used, the importance of wassailing as a Yuletide tradition lies in building camaraderie and a general good will.
The Yuletide Tradition of Christmas Carols
Christmas carols also reflect the endurance of Yuletide traditions in modern Christmas celebrations. During the 1200s, carols were sung as part of the winter festivals. Over time, carols made their way into churches, especially around Christmas time. The word carol itself comes from the Old French/Late Latin choraula that referred to a choral song. Some of the more popular Christmas carols include Silent Night, Deck the Halls, and The First Noel.
Yuletide Traditions: The Yule Log, Wassailing, and Christmas Carols
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Oleh
Dream Come True
