What exactly is Yule?

The pagan celebration of the winter solstice is known as Yule, the winter solstice is the darkest day of the year, so Yule is both a time of reflection and celebration and it’s one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world.

Yule is a pagan celebration of the winter solstice, which marks the longest night of the year and therefore the return of the sun. On this day, the earth’s axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. Slowly but surely, the days start to get progressively longer.

How Vikings gave us Christmas

The Viking winter festival that helped create the modern Christmas celebration. Before the spread of Christianity, people long celebrated this ancient tradition. Most Christmas traditions we know and love today originated from this holiday. , Yule is a celebration of the sun, of rebirth and renewal, and the continuation of life. 

Yule was first celebrated as far back as the fifth century (so, over 1,500 years back). But with the steady spread of Christianity throughout Europe, many pagan beliefs and celebrations, including Yule, were stamped out.

Today, hints of these ancient faiths and rituals of the Vikings can be found in some of the most popular Christmas traditions. 

Celebrating Yule

Will you be celebrating Yule this year?
This dark and quiet time of the winter season is an opportunity to focus on new beginnings. It’s a time to incorporate nature into your home, practice gratitude for abundance, and celebrate the returning of the sun. Decorating the house with greenery and lighting candles are important ways to incorporate this holiday into your home.