Thursday, December 20, 2007

Yule, Yuletide, and Christmas

It's that time of year again, Yule. Also known as Yuletide, Yulefest, and other names. Yule is held on the day of Winter Solstice. Ancient tribes celebrated Yule (or the Winter Solstice) because it was (and still is) a turning point in which winter will eventually turn into spring. It's also the beginning in which the days will be longer. Since it was very difficult to survive the winter during those times, these tribes had a good reason to celebrate. But that's not the only reason why these tribes celebrated Yuletide. They also celebrated this holiday because they believed this was their sun god's birthday. Before the Julian calendar was invented, the winter solstice was considered the new year. While it's officially January 1st, some Pagans/Neo-Pagan's may still consider Winter Solstice the new year. For those who are living in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is on December 21st or the 22nd. For those who are living in the Southern Hemisphere, Winter Solstice is on June 21sr or the 22nd. In case you're wondering, some people around the world celebrate Yule similar to how others celebrates Christmas. In fact, many Yule traditions and Christmas traditions are the same.

Christmas is actually the Christianized version of Yule, “which is essentially the symbology and traditions of Yule with the Christian story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth superimposed upon it. Yule traditions include decorating a pine tree, burning a Yule log, the hanging of mistletoe and holly, giving gifts, and general celebration and merriment” (Wikipedia)". Some people may celebrate Yule in more traditional ways, while others may celebrate it in their own way.

This year I'll be celebrating Yule like I did in previous years, which involes 12 days (from December 21st to January 1st) of giving gifts, gluttony, sleeping in, surfing the web, and playing video games.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule

http://www.geocities.com/lavenderwater37/holidays.htm

http://www.geocities.com/lavenderwater37/holidays/yule.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbla5lDGLU8

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